Erasmus named an exciting 54-man squad on Thursday, which includes nine uncapped players. 

Among them is the pacey Makhaza, along with former Cheetahs hooker Marnus van der Merwe, who currently plays for the Scarlets in Wales. Although Makhaza has yet to make his senior debut at Currie Cup level, he could feature in the historic clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June, in the match that will kick off the season for the reigning back-to-back World Champions.

Speaking to OFM Sport recently, Makhaza said that being selected for the second Springbok alignment camp had given him a major boost in confidence.

“I think you’ve summed it up well – just being part of that camp is a huge motivator,” said Makhaza. “Being in that environment gives you a real sense of what’s expected of you as a player and as a person.

It’s incredibly inspiring to be included, because it shows you’re on the radar. But now the onus is on me to perform in the Currie Cup. First and foremost, I need to make the team and make sure I deliver when I get the chance.”

Marnus van der Merwe. Photo: Morgan Piek

Several other former Cheetahs players are also in the squad, including Lood de Jager, Neethling Fouché, Ox Nché, Jasper Wiese, Willie le Roux, and Makazole Mapimpi.

Springbok head coach Erasmus said naming such a large and talented squad is a real luxury and a sign of the team's growing depth.

“We were very pleased with the two alignment camps we hosted, and we’re excited to have the luxury of naming a squad with this much depth and talent,” said Erasmus. “Having an expanded group not only allows us to run productive training sessions, but also provides younger players with the opportunity to learn from senior Boks – many of whom are Rugby World Cup winners.

Makazole Mapimpi. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We take pride in giving emerging talent the chance to work closely with the coaches and to be exposed to international standards. We’re really looking forward to seeing them show what they can do at camp.”

The Springbok squad will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday to begin preparations for the July internationals.

Springbok squad (in alphabetical order):

Forwards: Juarno Augustus, Lood de Jager, Renzo du Plessis, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouché, Cameron Hanekom, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nché, Ruan Nortjé, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese, and Jasper Wiese

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, André Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Ntokozo Makhaza, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, and Grant Williams

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh