Unfortunate Athletes Overlooked for the Bok Rugby Championship Team
South Africa Springboks: Standout Performances in the 2021 Season
The South Africa Springboks' 2021 season was marked by impressive performances from both established stars and newcomers. According to Quintin van Jaarsveld, the season highlighted the return of captain Siya Kolisi, the hard work and leadership of seasoned lock Eben Etzebeth, and the potential contribution of several impactful debutants.
Among the new faces, front row players Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, and Neethling Fouche stood out, demonstrating their ability to step up in a new-look side. Fouche, in particular, made a strong impression in his Test debut, delivering well at scrum time and doing the basics well. Although he didn't score a try in his debut, Fouche showed promise.
In addition to the front rowers, other debutants who earned praise include Ethan Hooker (utility back), Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and Cobus Wiese (both forwards). Experienced players like Damian de Allende and Aphelele Fassi also provided a solid backbone to the squad in the backline.
One of the most notable performers was Edwill van der Merwe. He impressed in his Man of the Match performance against Italy, scoring a brace, and continued his top-notch form against the Lelos, scoring twice more. Another standout player was Vincent Tshituka. He made his Test debut against the Azzurri and impressed with a two-try effort, and showed his utility as an added lineout jumper.
However, Tshituka's match minutes were limited due to a head knock against the Barbarians, and he was unlucky to have a try chalked off by a controversial obstruction call. Despite this, Tshituka saved a try with a vital breakdown intervention.
Makazole Mapimpi also had a strong season, scoring one try and assisting another in the second meeting against Italy. However, it was Edwill van der Merwe who outshone Mapimpi in the same match, delivering an even better performance.
It's worth noting that Evan Roos produced an explosive cameo in the 45-0 shutout of Italy but was not started in the absence of Jasper Wiese against Georgia. Roos was recalled to the Boks' squad after Cameron Hanekom and Juarno Augustus were injured.
Rassie Erasmus has opted for Asenathi Ntlabakanye as the third-choice tighthead behind Wilco Louw and Vincent Koch. Neethling Fouche made his debut for the Stormers in the season-opening game against the Barbarians and started as part of an all-uncapped front row at Mbombela Stadium.
Quintin Van Jaarsveld, who boasts over 15 years' experience as a freelance sports writer, emphasized these players for their hard work, leadership, and potential contribution to the team. Van Jaarsveld is a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year.
Neethling Fouche was considered by the author to be the more polished and well-rounded option compared to Leviathan. Fouche had tears during the singing of the national anthem before his Test debut against Georgia.
Makazole Mapimpi had a magnificent United Rugby Championship season for the Sharks and carried that form into his sole Bok outing of the year. Mapimpi scored one try and assisted another in the second meeting against Italy, but Edwill van der Merwe was even better in the same match.
Overall, the South Africa Springboks' 2021 season was marked by strong performances from both established stars and newcomers. The team will look to build on these performances as they continue to compete in the future.
- The newcomer, Neethling Fouche, demonstrated his potential contribution to the South Africa Springboks with a strong Test debut in the 2021 season, earning praise for his performance at scrum time.
- Several impactful debutants, such as Ethan Hooker, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and Cobus Wiese, made their mark in the rugby league, with one of the standouts being Vincent Tshituka who scored two tries in his debut match.
- Veteran players like Damian de Allende and Aphelele Fassi, as well as emerging talents like Edwill van der Merwe and Vincent Tshituka, provided an essential backbone to the South Africa Springboks' sports squad in the 2021 season.
