3 Bok Bolters for the End-of-Year Tour

While the Springboks didn’t have the best Rugby Championship, barring the last game against the All Blacks, it’s time to look ahead to the outgoing tour to the North, where South Africa will be taking on the likes of Ireland, France, Italy, and Wales. We will be looking at the uncapped players that deserve a shot in the green and gold due to standout performances throughout 2017.

Makazole Mapimpi

The Springboks are in need of a devastating winger, Makazole Mapimpi could be that man. As the Southern Kings managed to capture the hearts of rugby fans with their spirited and exciting style this past Super Rugby season, Mapimpi was always on the end of the try-scoring action. The speedster has emerged as a quick and skilful winger who has a great ability to finish, and while one great season shouldn’t immediately warrant a Bok call-up, he’s was one of (if not the) best South African winger in Super Rugby this year. Mapimpi has transferred that form after joining the Cheetahs in the Pro 14, meaning that there couldn’t be a better time to unleash him in a green jersey than against our Northern Hemisphere counterparts in November.

Ox Nché

The Cheetahs front-rower has showcased great scrumming abilities in recent seasons, along with an impressive ball-carrying component to his game. Nché is the new-age prop that the Springboks need: strong, mobile, and skillful; and seeing the exciting 22-year-old linking up with the likes of Malcolm Marx would be a great combination to spectate. And if you think the try below was a fluke, check out his other against the French Barbarians.

Kwagga Smith

Despite his red card in the Super Rugby final, Kwagga Smith has had absolutely no blemishes on his career so far. The former SA Sevens star has made a brilliant transition to the 15-man game and his been a pivotal part of the Lions’ success this year. Smith is a brutal defender, excellent with turnovers, and is arguably faster than most backline players in any team. His ability to go a full 80 minutes at such a high work-rate would’ve been a great addition to the Springboks for the outgoing tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=534UZslurqM

Who do you think deserves a shot in the green and gold? Let us know in comments section below and shoot us a tweet @MenStuffZA!

And if you want to back the Boks in the upcoming outgoing tour, you can make your predictions on the upcoming matches here.