Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus handed out 12 new Springbok caps last year, and you can expect him to reward more up-and-coming players this season as he aims to build depth and expand his player pool ahead of the next World Cup.

An expanded group of players have been named for the first Springbok camp of 2025, and while there can’t be too much read into this extensive list, it does serve as an indication as to which players are on the national radar.

Of the 16 uncapped players named for the first camp, we pick five who we think will earn a Springbok cap sooner rather than later.

Henco van Wyk

There is simply no doubt that the 23-year-old – who was named the Junior Springbok Player of the Year in 2021 – is one of the most exciting prospects in South African rugby.

Last year, he was also the only internationally uncapped nominee for SA Rugby Young Player of the Year, and despite the fact Van Wyk has endured some struggles with injury, he is the sort of player with all the attributes that should catch the eye of Rassie Erasmus. Although relatively diminutive in stature, the Lions centre uses his low centre of gravity to great effect, boasting real strength, a strong step and a remarkable work rate.

Reinhardt Ludwig

Erasmus loves a player who boasts versatility, and Ludwig, who who was instrumental in the Junior Springboks’ triumphant 2022 Summer Series campaign, offers the ability to cover both lock and flank.

The former Affies headboy and first XV captain is blessed with tons of natural talent, while his high work rate, physicality and athleticism should lead to a Springbok cap in one of the ‘smaller’ Tests in July.

Suleiman Hartzenberg

The 21-year-olds boasts versatility, speed and tons of raw ability which Erasmus will surely be keen to hone in the Springbok camp.

Hartzenberg has been knocking on the Springbok door for a while now, and if he can find fitness and form for the Stormers in the months to come, there is every chance he could get a look in during the 2025 Test season.

Ethan Hooker

There is a lot to like about the 22-year-old Sharks star, who has the ability to play on the wing or in the midfield.

Boasting raw pace and power, the 1.94m and 100kg newcomer has enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Sharks, and seems to have all the attributes that would appeal to Erasmus and his fellow coaches.

Neethling Fouché

Fouché is a true attacking scrummager, and his power and mobility undoubtedly caught the eye of the Bok coaches, but ultimately Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch and in-form Thomas du Toit ‘blocked’ his pathway to an international cap last year.

Fouché may be 32-years-old, but that is often a stage when props can still perform at their peak with all the experience of the dark arts at scrum time, and this season could finally see the popular Stormers front rower make the step up to the Test stage.

Springbok debutants caps from 2024:

Jordan Hendrikse
Edwill vd Merwe
Ben-Jason Dixon
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Johan Grobbelaar
Phepsi Buthelezi
Morne van den Berg
Andre-Hugo Venter
Ruan Venter
Quan Horn
Cameron Hanekom

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE RECEIVE A TEST CAP THIS YEAR?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/five-newcomers-set-for-a-springbok-debut-in-2025/