Over the years, Jimmy Stonehouse has developed Varsity Cup standouts, as well as players deemed not good enough by their respective provinces, into Springboks.

The list is extensive: Faf de Klerk, Vincent Koch, Coenie Oosthuizen, Shaun Venter (Sevens) and Rosco Speckman (Sevens).
Then there are those who left the Pumas and became valuable assets for other provinces: Uzair Cassim, Corné Fourie, Tiaan Fourie, Pellow van der Westhuizen, Tinus de Beer, Eduan Swart, Le Roux Roets, Devon Williams, Diago Appolis, Stephan Coetzee and Willie Engelbrecht.

Three names stand out: Sebastian de Klerk, Sango Xamlashe and Jeandré Rudolph.
Could these three be Stonehouse’s next Springboks?

Former Pumas shine at Loftus Versfeld

Since joining the Bulls, Xamlashe has been a revelation. The former Puma centre is currently playing some of his best rugby, though he unfortunately had to leave the field against Ulster on Saturday due to a concussion.

He previously played for Tukkies and the Bulls U21 side.
De Klerk might have become a Springbok earlier this year, had it not been for an untimely injury.

Then there is the new darling of Loftus: Rudolph.
The question is, will he, much like Thys Lourens in the past, put his heart and soul into playing for the Bulls, all without ever earning Springbok honours? Only time will tell.

Injury update ahead of Vodacom Bulls’ fixture against Scarlets

Handré Pollard (flyhalf): Pollard has undergone a scan for a hamstring issue. His fitness status will be confirmed once the results have been assessed.

Canan Moodie (wing/centre): Moodie has returned to training under the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) return-to-play protocols. He will not be considered for selection this week.

Cheswill Jooste (wing): Jooste has undergone an operation for a broken cheekbone. Having been concussed during the match against Ulster, he faces a mandatory two-week stand-down under HIA protocols, and extended rest has been recommended.

Sango Xamlashe (centre): Xamlashe will not be considered for selection this week after he completed HIA protocols following a concussion in Saturday’s match.

Embrose Papier (scrumhalf): Papier is recovering from an ankle operation and will be out for several weeks.
Thaakir Abrahams (wing): Abrahams is expected to recover from a hamstring injury within one week.