Five Springboks who must seize their moment on year-end tour

THE Springboks’ year-end tour isn’t just about finishing the season strong — it’s about laying the foundations for the next Rugby World Cup.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

SPRINGBOK scrumhalf Morn e van den Berg will be itching for some extended game time during the November Tests to establish himself as the No 3 scrumhalf in South Africa.

(AFP)

As the world champions prepare for five Tests against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales, starting this weekend at Wembley in London, head coach Rassie Erasmus will look to give more experience to his expanded player pool while allowing fresh combinations an extended run.

Several fringe players will have a golden opportunity to prove they belong at international level ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup during the next couple of matches.

We look at five players who must make the most of their shot in green-and-gold this November.

Back in the mix after missing this season’s matches — and with Bongi Mbonambi nearing the twilight of his career — Johan Grobbelaar has forced himself back into contention with some strong performances in the United Rugby Championship.

Malcolm Marx has been the mainstay for the Boks, which means the hooker position is open for a new contender to step up, especially after the suspension of Jan-Hendrik Wessels.