An in-form Stormer is reportedly the leading locally-based candidate to receive an invitation to the Springboks’ first alignment camp of the year.
Stormers flanker Paul de Villiers has been a standout performer this season, racking up multiple Man of the Match awards and, according to Rapport, he has edged ahead of his domestic rivals as the closest fit for the Bok coaching group as a breakdown specialist.
Before this weekend’s Vodacom URC action, Bulls veteran Jeandre Rudolph led the competition’s breakdown steals with 15. The 31-year-old has enjoyed a sensational campaign for the Bulls, while Lions flank Renzo du Plessis – who attended a Bok alignment camp last year – is also still in the frame.
However, the report suggests De Villiers has now moved to the front of the local queue ahead of the Boks’ first camp of the year.
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The March alignment camp is also expected to include a number of emerging talents. Young Bulls hooker Esethu Mnebelele, who was invited to tour Europe with the Springboks in November before injury intervened, is again likely to be in the mix. He may join several former Junior Boks, including Cheswill Jooste, Batho Hlekani and Haashim Pead, who all attended a Bok camp towards the end of last year.
Meanwhile, Sharks brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse are believed to be among the players who have worked their way back onto the Bok radar after rediscovering form this season.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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