CRAIG LEWIS identifies six young players who may have caught the eye of Bok coach Rassie Erasmus after five rounds of Super Rugby.
Aphiwe Dyantyi
The winger’s statistics speak volumes: Dyantyi is the joint-highest try scorer with five, he is ranked first for clean breaks (13) and metres carried (402), while he has beaten 18 defenders (ranked fourth). The Lions star has been the standout surprise package so far this season, and Erasmus has already mentioned that he has been mightily impressed with the 23-year-old. Dyantyi is sure to face greater challenges – particularly on defence and under the high ball – as the season progresses, but he has certainly made the most of his opportunities up to this point.
Damian Willemse
Despite the inconsistency of the Stormers at the start of this season, Willemse has provided at least one of the reasons to remain positive. The 19-year-old has slotted seamlessly into the Stormers’ No 10 jersey, with his searing sidestep having won over many fans during their recent tour to New Zealand. Besides his strengths on attack, Willemse is a courageous defender, and he also impressed with his goal-kicking against the Blues this past weekend. Willemse is a raw talent and still needs time to hone his all-round game, but all the natural abilities are there to ensure he will be edging onto Erasmus’ radar.
Warrick Gelant
Gelant made his run-on debut for the Springboks on the wing last year, but he will have his eye on claiming first rights to the Bok No 15 jersey this season. The talented 22-year-old is just one of the players who appears to be thriving under the guidance of Bulls coach John Mitchell, who has raved about the multi-faceted abilities of Gelant. The young fullback appears to have added more consistency to his game, while his decision-making has also improved, which bodes well for the remainder of the season.
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Lukhanyo Am
The Sharks centre was another player who received an overdue first Test cap on the 2017 end-of-year tour, and he remains hungry for more. Am has been one of the few standout players for the Sharks, with his work rate and running lines making him a real threat opposing defenders. In-form Jesse Kriel remains the incumbent Springbok outside centre, but he may well face increasing competition from Am, who continues to go from strength to strength.
Roelof Smit
At 25 years old, Smit can’t be regarded as an out-and-youngster anymore, but it’s been highly encouraging to see the loose forward rediscovering some of his best form after an injury-free run of rugby. It was only an unfortunate injury that denied Smit a Springbok Test cap on the 2016 end-of-year tour, and injuries have blighted his progress since then. However, there is no denying Smit’s immense talent, while he boasts the strengths of a specialist openside flanker that make him an especially valuable commodity in South African rugby.
Embrose Papier
The early-season form of André Warner and Papier have largely justified Mitchell’s surprise decision to omit Springbok Rudy Paige from the Bulls’ Super Rugby squad. Papier has been utilised off the bench, but the 20-year-old is the sort of player who provides cause for excitement in a South African rugby system that has suffered from a dearth of local scrumhalf depth. As highlighted by former Bok coach Nick Mallett this past weekend, Papier has been spoken of as an ‘up-and-coming Aaron Smith’, and he has certainly provided glimpses of that at the start of this season. Of course, Papier needs more time at senior level, but he is a player with a bright future.
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