Five URC stars who could force their way into Springbok squad ahead of November Tests

The Springboks will embark on a tough year-end tour in a couple of weeks, and while they’ve had a fairly settled squad to select from this season, there are still a few fringe players knocking on the selection door.

These players will be keen to use the United Rugby Championship (URC) matches currently under way as a platform to remind head coach Rassie Erasmus and his management team of their abilities.

We look at five URC players who will be hoping to break into the Bok tour squad for the five Tests in November.

Vincent Tshituka

The Sharks flanker showed plenty of promise in his Springbok debut and will be hungry for more international opportunities.

At club level, the loose forward looks the closest replacement for veteran Pieter-Steph du Toit, and his game will only benefit from more exposure at the top level. The Boks may have missed an opportunity by not involving him in the Rugby Championship.

While the Sharks haven’t started the tournament well and are still searching for their first victory, Tshituka has been at the forefront. His physicality, both in attack and defence, mirrors Du Toit’s style, while he has also been a useful line-out option for the Durban side. A few more strong performances could get his name firmly into the mix.

Johan Grobbelaar

If Grobbelaar can maintain his current form for the Bulls, he could soon find himself back in the Bok mix after missing out during the Rugby Championship campaign and the mid-year Tests.

He is playing some of his best rugby for the Loftus side, and the added responsibility of being captain has elevated his game. His line-out throwing has been outstanding, he’s been secure behind the Bulls’ rolling maul, and he has scored some important tries for his club.

Despite missing out this season, he can still throw his name into the hat for a recall if he keeps delivering — especially during a crucial overseas tour where his abilities will be tested in tough conditions.

Evan Roos

With injuries to fellow Boks Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw, there’s still debate about why Roos hasn’t been part of the national set-up — especially when Jasper Wiese was suspended.

However, the Stormers bruiser has started the URC season with renewed fire and looks ready to fight for his Bok recall. He produced two excellent performances against Leinster and the Ospreys in Cape Town, helping his team to a strong start.

But the real test now begins in the wet and windy conditions of Wales and Italy. If he can show the Springbok coaches that he can deliver what’s required overseas, he could force his way back into the fold as a back-up to Wiese.

Ben-Jason Dixon

Like Tshituka, Dixon will be fighting for more opportunities with the national side. After recently returning from an injury lay-off, he already looks in good form for the Stormers.

Now it’s about getting back to the level that made him a Springbok and maintaining that standard. Dixon will be eager to grab every opportunity the Stormers give him to get proper game minutes under his belt.

With Tshituka’s rise at the start of the season, the Boks suddenly have more options in the No 7 jersey, and Dixon will want to show that he can be next in line behind Du Toit. That hard work starts against the Scarlets on Friday, followed by matches in Italy against Zebre and Benetton.

Quan Horn It may be time for the Springboks to look beyond Test centurion Willie le Roux, and with Aphelele Fassi out injured, the Lions youngster should be next in line. Yes, his side hasn’t exactly set the URC alight, but he remains a reliable option at full-back.

He can easily adapt to an attacking game plan, while his left boot has been a valuable weapon under pressure — as seen over the opening two URC matches, despite the Lions’ losses.

Facing Benetton in Italy could bring his attacking instincts to the fore, should he be selected, as the visitors go in search of their first win. Despite the team’s slow start to the tournament, Horn will be eager to impress further as he builds his case for more Springbok opportunities in the future.