When Rassie Erasmus revealed his selections for the first Springbok camp of the year, it was very clear that he was going to cast his net far and wide at the start of the year.

With no overseas-based players available to attend this first camp in-person, a group of 56 domestic players were picked for a three-day alignment camp.

Considering it is such an extended group, there were very few jarring omissions, but it’s almost been overlooked that one player in particular can consider himself very unfortunate.

Last year, Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku enjoyed a breakthrough season as the coastal side went on to claim the EPCR Challenge Cup, and there were numerous calls at that time for him to get a look in at the Springboks.

However, despite being close to selection, Rassie Erasmus ultimately rather backed up-and-coming youngsters Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Jordan Hendrikse when it came to expanding the flyhalf depth pool.

Nevertheless, there were still reports at the end of last year that someone like Masuku could very well come back into the mix for 2025 home Tests against Italy and Georgia as Erasmus is always likely to view the mid-year internationals as an opportunity to assess emerging players.

As it’s turned out, Masuku is the one player who can certainly feel unlucky to have missed out on selection for the first Springbok camp of the year in Cape Town.

The 28-year-old has fallen a bit down the pecking order at the Sharks since the arrival of Hendrikse in Durban, but he did start at flyhalf this past weekend in a good win over the Bulls.

It now remains to be seen whether Masuku can change the mind of Erasmus and the other national coaches before the Incoming Tests as he is undoubtedly the unluckiest omission from the first Springbok camp.

Japan-bound Sanele Nohamba is a bit unfortunate to have not been considered, while Steven Kitshoff and Elrigh Louw were not considered due to serious injuries.

Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies has also been left out as he prepares to leave the Stormers at the end of the current season to take up a contract with French side Bayonne.

HERE IS THE FULL SPRINGBOK SQUAD SELECTED FOR THE FIRST ALIGNMENT CAMP

Forwards: Ethan Bester, Phepsi Buthelezi, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane (all Sharks); Ben-Jason Dixon, Joseph Dweba, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos, Andre-Hugo Venter (all Stormers); Renzo du Plessis, Francke Horn, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter (all Emirates Lions); Johan Grobbelaar, Celimpilo Gumede, Cameron Hanekom, Wilco Louw, Reinhardt Ludwig, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Akker van der Merwe, JF van Heerden, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Bulls).

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams (all Sharks); Paul de Wet, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse (all Stormers); Quan Horn, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Henco van Wyk (all Lions); Sebastian de Klerk, David Kriel, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Embrose Papier (all Bulls)

WHO ELSE DO YOU THINK WAS UNFORTUNATE TO MISS OUT?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/who-is-the-unluckiest-omission-from-springbok-camp/