As the Springboks gear up to face England at Ellis Park this Saturday, all eyes are on Cameron Hanekom, the promising Bulls back-rower poised to don his second Test cap. Despite a challenging setback due to a hamstring injury last year, Hanekom has bounced back, showcasing his formidable skills in the United Rugby Championship and catching the eye of national selectors once again.
Steven Kitshoff, a veteran of two Rugby World Cup victories, recently shared his insights on Hanekom's potential impact on the Springboks lineup. Speaking on the "For the Love of Rugby SA" podcast, Kitshoff highlighted Hanekom's robust playing style and his resemblance to England's Ben Earl, noting, "
"He’s got a big chance," Kitshoff said. "He is definitely going to push for that spot that Jasper has; he’s a big ball carrier, a massive engine; he is a lot like Ben Earl; he has got that ability to play for 80 minutes and just be devastating when he gets his hands on the ball. He’s violent."
Despite the stiff competition from seasoned number eight Jasper Wiese, Kitshoff believes Hanekom will soon make his mark.Moreover, Kitshoff discussed Hanekom's potential to provide strategic depth for the Springboks, particularly as an alternative to the seasoned Pieter-Steph du Toit. Du Toit, a stalwart in the green and gold, has been a pivotal player under the guidance of Rassie Erasmus and former coach Jacques Nienaber. However, with the World Cup on the horizon, Kitshoff anticipates that we might see more of Hanekom in upcoming matches as a means to manage Du Toit's workload. "It’s tough to see him at eight with Jasper’s experience, but we might see Pieter-Steph being rested a couple more times in preparation for next year’s World Cup, and then you’ll see Cameron Hanekom maybe feature at seven because he’s such a dynamic ball carrier and he can play on the wide channels as well," Kitshoff explained.
Last season's performances have indeed positioned Hanekom as a key player for the Bulls and potentially for the national team. His ability to gain ground and his impact when in possession have not gone unnoticed, making him a player to watch as he continues to develop his international career. As the Springboks continue their preparations, the integration of young, vigorous talent like Hanekom could very well be the fresh strategy they need to maintain their competitive edge on the global stage.