Five South African players had a chance to push for a Springbok tour spot in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship derbies, IOL Sport reported.
The derbies came just weeks before the Springboks leave for their November tour. Head coach Rassie Erasmus still has places to fill in his squad for the Year-end Tests.
The Bulls hosted the Lions at Loftus Versfeld with a 1.30pm kick-off. The Stormers then welcomed the Sharks to DHL Stadium in Cape Town for a 4pm start.
The world champions will play in the Nations Championship in the Northern Hemisphere. They face Italy on 7 November, France on 13 November and Ireland on 21 November.
According to IOL Sport, good displays in the derbies and the rest of the October games could decide who travels north.
The first player named was Stormers loose forward De Villiers. IOL Sport said he is not yet an established Springbok but has made a big impression since joining the set-up.
The publication said strong work at the breakdown, on defence and on attack against the Sharks could keep him in Erasmus’ plans. He plays in the Stormers loose trio next to his national captain.
Lions fullback Horn was also on the list. IOL Sport described him as one of the Lions’ most exciting backline players because of his versatility and attacking instincts.
His chances in the Bok jersey have been limited. The report said he could expect many high kicks from the Bulls, and his safety under them would be tested.
Lions scrumhalf Van den Berg had a good international season, especially in the last few Tests of the series known as Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
However, IOL Sport said Springbok scrumhalves returning from injury will make the race for a tour place harder. His quick service and sniping runs were listed as his main strengths.
Bulls hooker Grobbelaar was the fourth player named. The report pointed to his lineout accuracy, his physical play and his work in the loose.
IOL Sport said there is no clear back-up to Malcolm Marx at hooker. That gives Grobbelaar a platform to claim the second jersey for November after his fine URC form.
The last name on the list was Sharks flyhalf Vusi Moyo, who is only 20 years old.
The report said Moyo looked calm and self-assured in his last two games and showed he can handle URC pressure. Facing the Stormers in Cape Town was described as his biggest test yet.
According to IOL Sport, a strong game on defence and with his kicking boot could move Moyo deeper into the Springbok conversation before the squad leaves for Italy.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.