With the Springboks’ November tour on the horizon, SaRugbymag.co.za readers picked the best newcomer from a list of Bok bolters.
Mark Keohane listed five standout newbies in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship who, he believes, if not for the Boks, should at least crack the nod for the SA XV in the midweek matches against Bristol Bears and Munster.
Lions outside centre Henco van Wyk had an easy run-in as he claimed 55% of the vote, followed by Stormers playmaker Sacha Mngomezulu, who finished in second with 29% of the vote, and hard-charging Lions flank Ruan Venter claimed third spot with 9%.
The remaining 7% of the vote was split between Lions flyhalf Gianni Lombard (4%) and Stormers hooker Andre-Hugo Venter (3%).
READ: Stormers get front-row boost
The 21-year-old van Wyk has been sensational for a young and bustling Lions outfit in this season’s URC, not only showing heart and determination on attack, but being steadfast in defence accompanied by no hesitation when fulfilling the role of the jackal, backed by four turnovers this season.
With arguably the best outside centre in world rugby, Lukhanyo Am still recovering from knee surgery, a recurring shortage in the Bok outside centre berth remains a problem, and van Wyk, albeit a youngster, has shown composure beyond his age to stake a claim as a candidate worth serious squad consideration.
Photo: www.springboks.rugby
