Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Craig Ray
Published on 2024-02-23 11:29:27
The upcoming URC clash between the Bulls and Stormers at Loftus on 2 March is shaping up to be a mini Test trial, with 23 players from both teams invited to the Springbok alignment camp next week. Among the established Springboks like Willie le Roux, Frans Malherbe, and Damian Willemse, there is a group of talented youngsters who have been honing their skills in the URC and are ready for the next step in their careers.
Players such as Ruben van Heerden, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Cameron Hanekom are part of this new generation of players who are making their mark in the URC and catching the eye of national selectors. The fact that 16 uncapped players from the URC have been invited to the Bok alignment camp highlights the quality of the tournament in preparing future Test players.
Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers, who has experienced both Super Rugby and northern hemisphere rugby, believes that the URC is an excellent competition for preparing players for the demands of Test rugby. He praises the skill level and varied conditions that players face in the URC, stating that it prepares them well for the step up to international rugby.
De Villiers also points to the current Six Nations competition as evidence that the URC is closing the gap between domestic and international rugby. He highlights the success of players like Jack Crowley, who have transitioned from the URC to Test rugby with relative ease, showing the benefits of competing at a high level week in and week out.
Turning back to South Africa, the Lions have provided six players to the Springbok alignment camp, showcasing the talent and potential that the union has in its ranks. Former Springbok fullback and national backline coach Ricardo Loubscher has been instrumental in the development of these players, and he believes that their experience at the Bok camp will benefit both the individuals and the Lions as a team.
Loubscher is hopeful that the players will bring back valuable lessons and experiences from the alignment camp to share with their teammates at the Lions. He sees the camp as a positive step in the right direction for the union and is excited about the prospect of seeing more Lions players representing the Springboks in the future.
In conclusion, the URC is proving to be a vital stepping stone for players looking to make the leap to Test rugby. With a mix of established stars and emerging talents, the competition is providing a platform for players to develop their skills, adapt to different playing conditions, and ultimately showcase their abilities on the international stage. The upcoming clash between the Bulls and Stormers is not just a regular URC game; it is a chance for players to stake their claim for a coveted spot in the Springbok setup.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
