The Springboks have rolled out the red carpet for two of the Lions' young talents, giving them a shot to impress amongst the best. Erich Cronjé and Henco van Wyk, both outside backs for the Lions, spent this week training with the Boks ahead of Saturday's colossal third Test in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at FNB Stadium. Their recent performance against the All Blacks, where they caught many eyes during the Pride’s narrow 41-35 loss, has certainly added a lift to their reputation.
Mzwandile Stick, assistant coach of the Boks, expressed his excitement about the young players at a press conference. Highlighting their recent clash, he noted the potential seen in these rising stars.
"If you remember the game when the Lions played the All Blacks, there were a couple of laaities who really had a great game,"
Stick reflected on Van Wyk’s journey, mentioning his previous involvement in Bok camps and the unfortunate injury that sidelined him. Nonetheless, Van Wyk’s resilience and skill have kept him on the selectors' radar.
"A guy like Van Wyk, he’s always been in our talks when it comes to debating [selection]. He was just unlucky, maybe two seasons back, when he had an injury and missed a big part of his season."
Van Wyk's prowess was also historic when he took part in a match coached by Stick against Munster in 2022, marking a memorable international appearance. Stick pointed out that exposure to the national team’s environment through camps and local training sessions provides invaluable experience, helping players like Van Wyk and Cronjé understand team operations more deeply.
The Boks’ strategy to integrate promising players from local clubs into their training sessions in Johannesburg, where the national team is based, has opened doors for players to showcase their abilities directly in front of the national team coaches.
Stick couldn't help but praise Cronjé’s versatility and boldness on the field, attributing it to the confidence built at the Lions. He expressed optimism about their future, given their current trajectory.
"When I look at those two gentlemen, Erich also the way he’s so confident – put him at 13, put him on the wing – they just fearlessly express themselves. Maybe it’s something they’re doing well at the Lions. You can see the way they play, they play with confidence."
This weekend's match will not only be a testament to the Boks' strength but also a chance for these emerging talents to solidify their statuses among rugby's elite. As the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series continues to unfold, all eyes will be on how these young players meld into the high-pressure environment of international rugby.
As for the outcome on the field, the integration of fresh talent like Cronjé and Van Wyk might just provide the extra spark the Springboks need to clinch a home series victory.
