With the next World Cup just two years away, it’s understandable that the Springbok coaches have been very intentional in beginning to expose new – and younger – players to the rigours of Test rugby.
By and large, it has been hugely successful as the likes of Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg and Ethan Hooker have broken through, while other ‘fringe’ players have also added some meaningful Test caps to their tally.
However, it has meant that some familiar faces have been far less visible this season, and here we look at five players that are essentially in a stage of being phased out.
FIVE SPRINGBOKS CONSPICUOUS BY THEIR ABSENCE
Vincent Koch
The Springboks’ ‘Mr Incredible’ has been part of the squad throughout this year, but it has been quite telling that he has only featured off as a substitute on two occasions. With the emergence of Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw, not to mention Asenathi Ntlabakanye, it means Koch has played very little, even in the absence of injured Frans Malherbe. Considering Koch turns 36 years old in March, it does stand to reason that the baton has been handed down.
Makazole Mapimpi
The veteran wing was recalled to the Springboks recently, but the national coaches also know that the 35-year-old is not likely to be in the mix for the next World Cup. With the likes of Edwill van der Merwe and Hooker making an impression each time they take to the field, it’s also quite understandable that Mapimpi is in a ‘phase out’ stage of his career.
Faf de Klerk
It has been somewhat surprising that the 33-year-old has featured so little for the Springboks this season, but he has battled with an injury issue, and at the same time Van den Berg and Grant Williams have really laid down a marker. With Cobus Reinach adding experience as the one veteran scrumhalf in the squad, it will be difficult for De Klerk to force his way back unless there are injuries.
Willie le Roux
Le Roux turned 36-years-old in August, and although he has performed a key role for the Springboks at times this season, he was recently released from the squad and has returned to the Bulls. After an illustrious career and over 100 caps for the Springboks, it does seem like he is approaching the end of the road at Test level, particularly with Aphelele Fassi, Damian Willemse and even Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu offering options at fullback.
Franco Mostert
Although Mostert does offer important utility value with his ability to cover lock and flank, the fact of the matter is that Ruan Nortje has grabbed a firm grasp on the No 5 jersey, while Lood de Jager also adds real impact when he is fit. With Mostert turning 35 in November, it’s unlikely that he will make it to another World Cup, especially if younger players continue to break through.
LATEST BOK TEAM
South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Jesse Kriel.
