Versatile wing Ntokozo Makhaza is one of three new players who cracked an invite to the second Springbok alignment camp of the year.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday invited Makhaza, Juarno Augustus, and Vincent Tshituka to their first-ever national alignment camps.

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

Erasmus invited a grand total of 54 players to the camps, with thirty-six scheduled to attend the in-person camp and 18 players currently plying their trade abroad in Japan and the northern hemisphere joining virtually.

The group includes eight uncapped players, but only three of them – Makhaza, Augustus and Tshituka – are first recruits into the Springbok set-up.

Makhaza inclusion in particular is fascinating, because it is solely based on his excellent form in the Varsity Cup, as he is yet to play any professional rugby at provincial and franchise level.

The 23-year-old UCT Ikeys speedster, who was crowned Varsity Cup Player of the Year for two seasons running in 2024 and 2025, will join the Cheetahs for the Currie Cup later this year.

Players invited to Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town:

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 (Urayasu 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 (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks).

Players invited to virtual Springbok alignment camp:

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

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

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/varsity-cup-star-ntokozo-makhaza-fast-tracked-into-springbok-camp/