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Six of the best Bok bolters eyeing a Springbok call-up for Nations Championship tour

NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Sharks fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya has showed some excellent touches to go with his running ability this season.

Sharks fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya has showed some excellent touches to go with his running ability this season.

Image: BackpagePix

As head coach Rassie Erasmus turns his focus towards the November international window and the inaugural Nations Championship fixtures, the Springboks management continues to balance core World Cup-winning experience with squad evolution.

With the gruelling end-of-year tour looming, several emerging domestic talents and versatile performers are making compelling cases for inclusion, especially after injuries to a few key performers such as Cheslin Kolbe and André Esterhuizen.

Here is a look at six potential Springbok bolters who could feature in squad considerations this November.

Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks | Wing/Fullback)

The Westville Boys’ High schoolboy prodigy made a memorable leap into senior rugby for the Sharks, catching the eye with a few explosive performances.

Capable of slotting effortlessly across the back three at both fullback and wing, he could be a like-for-like replacement for Kolbe. It also helps that he wears a scrumcap…

His natural instincts and explosive counter-attacking ability make him an exciting long-term prospect.

Riley Norton (Stormers | Lock/Flank)

A multi-talented sportsman who represented South Africa U19 in cricket before committing fully to rugby, Norton’s physical trajectory over the past two seasons has been nothing short of meteoric.

The former Paul Roos standout captained the Junior Springboks to the World Rugby U20 Championship title in 2025 before stepping up into the Stormers setup.

Having already had a taste of big Springbok rugby against the Barbarians, the 1.99m lock brings a tremendous work-rate and athletic lineout ability.

Sebastian de Klerk (Bulls | Wing/Centre)

Following another unfortunate injury in March, De Klerk has come back strong and started the new season for the Bulls in fine fashion.

Equally adept on the wing or shifting inside to centre, De Klerk was in the Springboks mix before he was sidelined for six months with a foot injury.

His versatility and high work-rate off the ball align closely with the defensive and aerial demands Erasmus places on his outside backs.

Henco van Wyk (Lions | Outside Centre)

Nicknamed "Weapon X" for his ferocious, explosive running style and uncompromising midfield defence, Van Wyk is one of the most explosive outside centres in South African rugby.

Van Wyk brings game-changing gainline power and dominant tackling in the 13 channel with his unique mix of power and pace.

However, it could be worth trying him at inside centre in Esterhuizen’s absence because of his physical ability to make metres in the vacuum.

Siba Mahashe (Lions | Flanker/No 8)

After losing Kwagga Smith and Esterhuizen to injury, Erasmus will be looking for some spark off the bench, and Sibabalwe Mahashe is maybe that player.

His explosive ball-carrying, work-rate, and tackle success rate make him a dynamic option and a player who can provide that game-changing cameo in the last quarter of matches.

Mahashe also has a good head on his shoulders, having captained Border at the U13 Craven Week and led the SA Schools side.

Jonathan Roche (Stormers | Centre)

A product of Bishops and UCT, Roche has steadily built a reputation as a classical, strong-running midfielder through the Stormers structures.

Offering solid distribution, defensive communication, and direct gainline punch, Roche represents an intriguing option at inside centre.

There were recent reports that the Irish have an eye on him, but he has committed to the Stormers with a dream of wearing the Springbok jersey.

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