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'Why would you not want to consider those guys?'

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Friday May 31, 2024

Blessed with depth across the board, South African Rugby is enjoying a golden period.

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Securing back-to-back world titles, the Springboks have led the way when it comes to knockout rugby and, under head coach Rassie Erasmus, have shown no signs of slowing down.

As ever, with the end of a World Cup cycle, South African Rugby has bid farewell to several stalwarts and will say goodbye to more over the next two seasons.

With the likes of Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Willie Le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi and several others entering the back nine of their career, Erasmus and his coaching staff will no doubt look to work in new blood to their set up ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Undeterred by where a player is plying their club trade, Erasmus has shown a willingness to select players from leagues the world over.

Discussing players who are currently playing outside of South Africa who could make an impact for the Boks, former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad offered his views on three players he would like to see in green and gold this season.

“I know Tyron Green was the best-performing fullback, not necessarily this season, but last season. Incredible counterattacks, some amazing highlights, real-time tries that he was scoring, diving into the corner, some brilliant things that he’s done.” Skinstad said

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“Hanro Liebenberg’s incredible defense, great leadership, and good carrying of the ball.

“You know, I mean, why would you not want to consider those guys? So I don’t know what decision they’ll make.”

Discussing the possibility of losing these players to England when they become eligible, Skinstad said, “I also don’t know what decisions England Rugby are making.”

Of course, England’s current eligibility rules ensure that any English players not currently playing for English clubs will not be eligible for the national side.

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“You know, I think they’re very strict about who can play and who can’t play.

“It seems to be at the moment until the laws need to be bent, then I’m sure the laws will be kept in place,” Skinstad said.

For his third Premiership option, Skinstad was asked if the Northampton Saints backrow Juarno Augustus should be considered for the squad.

“I really hope so because he’s been playing such fantastic rugby. He’s been really putting in the time and effort over here.

“He’s been a fantastic!

“He is a fantastic ball carrier; defensively, he’s been outstanding.

“He’s good, I mean, he lifts in the line-out, but he’s still a good line-up proponent, and I would imagine he’s in that broad scheme of thinking because of how much he knows about the players from this part of the world and how much he can add to the general intelligence and knowledge of the squad.”

Which foreign-based South Africans would you like to see capped by the Boks in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

Watch the exclusive reveal-all episode of Walk the Talk with Ardie Savea as he chats to Jim Hamilton about the RWC 2023 experience, life in Japan, playing for the All Blacks and what the future holds. Watch now for free on RugbyPass TV

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