Surprise Bok 'call-ups'

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus hosted the first Bok virtual alignment camp of the year this week, featuring players who don’t ply their trade in South Africa.

- with Ross Roche

There were some interesting names included in the group, and a surprise omission, along with two uncapped players, namely former Lions and Sharks, and current Bordeaux Begles prop Carlu Sadie, and former Sharks and current Northampton Saints lock JJ van der Mescht.

Both are understandable, with Erasmus admitting that he feels the Boks are short at lock, while they could also have a problem at tighthead if Asenathi Ntlabakanye is banned for a doping violation, and if Frans Malherbe is unable to come back from injury.