Springbok contenders – LIONS: Ferocious roars Rassie can’t ignore

The Lions have roared and soared their way into this year’s United rugby Championship play-off picture. Therefore, these influential players may be on the brink of Springboks selection.

The Lions have been one of the surprise teams of the URC to date with some players roaring loudly on the pitch.

Roars so loud that Rassie Erasmus and the Springbok selectors have no choice but to take notice. Let’s take a closer look at the Lions players who could earn opportunities in the green and gold later this year…

ROARING LIONS ON THE PROWL FOR SPRINGBOKS SELECTION

Ruan Venter, Morne van den Berg, Sanele Nohamba, Jordan Hendrikse, Henco van Wyk and Quan Horn were all a part of the recent Springboks training camp.

Venter has been one of the stand-out forwards for the Lions this season. Moreover, the promising 21-year-old flanker has fronted up physically. Offering himself as a forward that is versatile both attack and defense. In fact, at the time of publication, he has made an impressive 323 meters from 83 carries this season. These stats are from the official URC website.

Given the current depth amongst the Springboks loose forwards he is unlikely to feature prominently. At least not in the bigger test matches (against Ireland) or in the Rugby Championship. However, his recent exposure to the Springboks set up will serve his career well. Furthermore, if he continuous in this form he may earn game time against the likes of Portugal. At the very least, his future is bright and I expect to see him play for the Boks one day.

His teammates are in the same boat with van den Berg, van Wyk, Hendrikse and Horn all unlikely to make their national debuts. Barring any unforeseen and unfortunate injuries. Furthermore, Rassie could utilize the game against Portugal to blood in future stars with the Rugby World Cup three-peat in mind.

This is one of 13 test matches South Africa will compete in during the tumultuous 2024 season.

NOHAMBA NARRATING HIS STORY AND IT COULD HAVE A BOK CHAPTER

Prior to the global pandemic, Nohamba was in the form of his life. Moreover, the Sharks were sitting atop the Super Rugby standings and he was one of the finds of the season. Unfortunately, the pandemic changed the narrative for Nohamba, as it did for us to some extent. He hit a bit of a slump and started to play second fiddle to the likes of Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams. Both players earned call ups to the national side during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Nohamba, on the other hand, opted for a move to the Lions and that wasn’t his only move. To the surprise of many, he donned the number 10 jersey. What has followed this has prompted the rugby fraternity to call this a masterstroke by Lions head coach Ivan Van Rooyan. Moreover, he has added spark to the Johannesburg outfits attack. Whilst, rapidly improving his overall game too.

Lions star Sanele Nohamba. Image: URC website.

BOK FLYHALF DEPTH GROWS WITH SPRINGBOKS LEGEND INVOLVED

The Lions half-back has been scintillating on attack, beating defenders at will.

Nohamba has beaten 17 defenders, made six clean breaks and made a total of 348m to date in this year’s URC. He has always had an eye for a gap. However, what has put him into contention is how he has improved his tactical and professional game as a whole. He knows when to kick and when to run and his clearance kicks and kicks for touch are up right up there with the URC’s best.

Additionally, his goal-kicking is improving under the guidance of Springboks legend, Morne Steyn. However, this area of his game needs a lot of work if he is to play for the Boks but he is in very good hands with one of the best goal kickers of all time mentoring him.