Rassie surprises with latest alignment invites

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday named a group of 54 local and overseas-based players to attend the team’s second batch of alignment camps.

The latest bombshells include Northampton Saints’ Juarno Augusts, Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka, and newly-signed Cheetahs recruit Ntokozo Makhaza.

The camps will take place in person in Cape Town for local players and virtually for players based outside South Africa – on Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23, respectively.

Thirty-six players will attend the in-person camp, with 18 players currently plying their trade abroad in Japan and the Northern Hemisphere joining virtually, training schedule permitting.

Augustus, who was named the World Rugby Under-20 Player of the Year after a sterling performance for the Junior Boks in Georgia in 2017, has been a stand-out player for the Northampton Saints this season.

The Congolese-born Tshituka recently received his South African ID, clearing him to represent South Africa.

Juarno Augustus.

Makhaza, meanwhile, will join the Cheetahs for the Currie Cup after being named the 2024 Varsity Cup Player of the Tournament, playing for the eventual champions, the University of Cape Town.

The group include eight uncapped players – Augustus, Tshituka, Makhaza, Renzo du Plessis, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Marnus van der Merwe, and Cobus Wiese.

Five players, meanwhile, were not considered for the alignment camp due to injuries, namely Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie, and Trevor Nyakane.

The camp will include a series of boardroom sessions over the two days as the Boks gear up for the international season, which kicks off on Saturday, June 28, with the first-ever home game between the Springboks and Barbarians.

Vincent Tshituka.

This will be followed by Tests against Italy (two), Georgia and the Rugby Championship.

That is followed by the year-end tour in November.

Erasmus said he was pleased with the quality of the group.

“This is an exciting bunch of players who have all made their mark in their respective competitions this season, and we are thrilled to invite a few talented new players to the camp,” Erasmus said.

“They have all made a strong statement in big competitions under immense pressure at times, so we are looking forward to working with them.”

Erasmus added: “It’s always difficult to reduce the size of the squad with the abundance of talent in South African rugby, but we were limited in the number of players we could select for the camp, and we are confident that we have sufficient cover in all positions within this group.”

Ntokozo Makhaza.

Erasmus added that the team’s preparations for the season were at an advanced stage: “The coaches and management staff have been working around the clock to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for what will be a challenging season, and all the operational and logistical aspects are in place for everything to run as smoothly as possible, so we are excited for the season ahead.”

Players invited to Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town (in alphabetical order)

Forwards: Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both \Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Bulls), Jasper Wiese (D-Rocks).

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (all Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (Cheetahs), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks).

Players invited to virtual Springbok alignment camp (in alphabetical order)

Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean-Luc du Preez (both Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Spears), Franco Mostert (Heat), Kwagga Smith (Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets).

Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (DynaBoars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Eagles), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier).