As the Springboks grapple with a growing crisis in their second row due to injuries to stalwarts Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman, the towering JJ van der Mescht is being tipped as the next big thing. With both Etzebeth and Snyman sidelined for the foreseeable future, the spotlight has turned to alternative options, and Van der Mescht is rapidly moving up the ranks.
Snyman's recent knee ligament injury during his stint with Leinster and Etzebeth's hip troubles have opened up discussions about the depth in South Africa's lock positions. Amid these concerns, Van der Mescht's capabilities have caught the attention of former Bok luminaries, who see him as a prime candidate to bolster the national team's lineup.
"Our options at lock are looking a bit thin and then you also have to consider the age of some of our locks,"
said Hanyani Shimange on the Boks Unpacked podcast. His sentiment was echoed by other ex-Boks, including Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger, who also praised the potential of the Northampton Saints player. Van der Mescht's prowess was further acknowledged with an invitation to a virtual Bok alignment camp, signaling his rising stock in national rugby circles.
De Villiers not only highlighted Van der Mescht's emerging role but also shed light on other contenders like Jean Kleyn of Munster, questioning their current standing in the Bok strategy. He mentioned, "Then there is also Jean Kleyn at Munster. The question is whether he is still part of the Bok plans," indicating a broader examination of available talent. Additionally, potential options like Ruan Venter of the Lions and JD Schickerling of the Stormers were discussed, though Schickerling's recent injury, sidelining him for six months, complicates matters.
This reshuffling in the Springboks' ranks underscores a critical phase for the team as they prepare for the upcoming July Tests. With the championship pedigree of the team and the looming international fixtures, the integration of new blood like Van der Mescht could be crucial in maintaining South Africa's formidable presence in global rugby.
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As the Springboks grapple with a growing crisis in their second row due to injuries to stalwarts Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman, the towering JJ van der Mescht is being tipped as the next big thing. With both Etzebeth and Snyman sidelined for the foreseeable future, the spotlight has turned to alternative options, and Van der Mescht is rapidly moving up the ranks.
Snyman's recent knee ligament injury during his stint with Leinster and Etzebeth's hip troubles have opened up discussions about the depth in South Africa's lock positions. Amid these concerns, Van der Mescht's capabilities have caught the attention of former Bok luminaries, who see him as a prime candidate to bolster the national team's lineup.
"Our options at lock are looking a bit thin and then you also have to consider the age of some of our locks,"
said Hanyani Shimange on the Boks Unpacked podcast. His sentiment was echoed by other ex-Boks, including Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger, who also praised the potential of the Northampton Saints player. Van der Mescht's prowess was further acknowledged with an invitation to a virtual Bok alignment camp, signaling his rising stock in national rugby circles.
De Villiers not only highlighted Van der Mescht's emerging role but also shed light on other contenders like Jean Kleyn of Munster, questioning their current standing in the Bok strategy. He mentioned, "Then there is also Jean Kleyn at Munster. The question is whether he is still part of the Bok plans," indicating a broader examination of available talent. Additionally, potential options like Ruan Venter of the Lions and JD Schickerling of the Stormers were discussed, though Schickerling's recent injury, sidelining him for six months, complicates matters.
This reshuffling in the Springboks' ranks underscores a critical phase for the team as they prepare for the upcoming July Tests. With the championship pedigree of the team and the looming international fixtures, the integration of new blood like Van der Mescht could be crucial in maintaining South Africa's formidable presence in global rugby.