When Rassie Erasmus named the players for the first Springbok camp of the year, it was clear he was casting a wide net to evaluate domestic talent. With no overseas-based players available, a squad of 56 players was selected for a three-day alignment camp. While there weren’t many surprising omissions, one player in particular can consider himself quite unlucky to have missed out.
Siya Masuku, the Sharks flyhalf, had a standout season in 2024, helping the team win the EPCR Challenge Cup. Throughout the year, there were calls for him to be included in the Springbok setup. However, despite being close to selection, Erasmus opted for young talents like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Jordan Hendrikse to strengthen the flyhalf depth.
There were rumors towards the end of last year that Masuku could still be considered for the 2025 home Tests against Italy and Georgia, especially as the mid-year internationals are often seen as an opportunity to assess emerging players. However, Masuku is now the one player who might feel particularly unlucky to have missed out on the first Springbok camp of the year in Cape Town.
While he has fallen down the pecking order at the Sharks with Hendrikse’s arrival, Masuku did start at flyhalf in a strong win over the Bulls last weekend. It remains to be seen whether he can change Erasmus’s mind and earn a spot in the national squad ahead of the Incoming Tests.
Other players who might feel unlucky to miss out include Japan-bound Sanele Nohamba, while Steven Kitshoff and Elrigh Louw were not considered due to serious injuries. Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, who will be joining French club Bayonne at the end of the season, has also been left out of the camp.
The full Springbok squad for the first alignment camp includes players from various teams, with notable names across the forwards and backs. Will Masuku and others get another chance later in the year? Only time will tell.
