Former Springbok centre Gcobani Bobo believes the upcoming URC season could propel a young South African star into the Bok mix ahead of next year’s World Cup.
With Rassie Erasmus continuing to expand his player pool ahead of the 2027 showpiece in Australia, Bobo believes the URC offers emerging players an ideal platform to put their hands up.
“It’s massive. We’re always looking for that dark horse or someone who’s just a bolter from nowhere and finally makes it into the squad,” Bobo said at a URC media round table on Tuesday.
“We’ve seen how a 40-year-old Deon Fourie can crack it into the Springboks. So can you imagine how that feels for a 20-year-old thinking, ‘I’ve got a chance. I’ve got 20 years to have a go at it.’
“This year gives you that chance. What an opportunity for these players. Every World Cup year has a few surprises. Injuries do happen, there’s a drop in form, and there’s this thing that all South Africans are scared of because they say we’ve got this ageing team.
“Those are the opportunities I think the youngsters will be looking at.”
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One player Bobo believes could continue his rapid rise is 20-year-old flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, who this year played for South Africa A against Zimbabwe, won the Junior World Championship with the Junior Boks and made his Stormers debut against the All Blacks.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is the Stormers’ first-choice flyhalf when not on Springbok duty, which leaves Ahmed competing with Jean-Luc du Plessis and Jurie Matthee for the No 10 jersey at the start of the URC season.
“He’s got a chance,” Bobo said. “I think he could be one of those players who becomes a bolter at the end of the year. I think the world is going to get to know what type of player he is.
“For me, it’s just the toughness that he has. There is something about the way that he’s so aggressive in the tackle.
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“He is such a talent, the way he plays the ball flat. I think he suits the modern game. He plays right on top of the gainline. He’s got the physicality, a great skill set, footwork and great speed on him, and a great kicking game.
“I think he’s got a chance to upset a few of those senior players. I think Sacha has to look out for his number.”
Photo: Tamuna Kulumbegashvili/World Rugby
The post Bobo picks Bok bolter appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok centre Gcobani Bobo believes the upcoming URC season could propel a young South African star into the Bok mix ahead of next year’s World Cup.
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