Rugby
Hanekom geared for eagerly anticipated Springbok debut─── MORGAN PIEK 10:45 Wed, 20 Nov 2024
“To have a dream become a reality on Saturday is an unbelievable feeling. I’m very grateful for it and I’m very privileged to be here, and I will grab the opportunity with both hands.”
The Bulls loose-forward Cameron Hanekom is locked and loaded to make his Springbok debut on Saturday in the season-ending Test against Wales in Cardiff.
The young Bulls loosie has been named on the bench for the Test, and he will become the back-to-back World Champions 12th debutant in 2024.
They have been called for the versatile to represent South Africa for quite some time despite his age, and due because he can cover anywhere in the back row, some have even likened him to the coach, Rassie Erasmus, in his playing days.
The former Junior Springbok from Ceres, Hanekom, said being able to make his debut on the weekend is a dream come true.
“I must say, obviously since I was a child this has been a dream for me to play for the Springboks,” said the player who is regarded to be Erasmus’ Swiss army knife due to his versatility.
“To have a dream become a reality on Saturday is an unbelievable feeling. I’m very grateful for it and I’m very privileged to be here, and I will grab the opportunity with both hands.”
Hanekom also downplayed the suggestion that he was contemplating playing for Wales as opposed to the Springboks, because of his Welsh heritage.
“It never crossed my mind. It has been the media who have been speculating about it. Since I was a small boy, for me, it was all about playing for the Springboks one day.”
Erasmus in turn said Hanekom is in the squad for a reason and the player gives them a lot of options.
“Cameron also offers us a few options at loose forward as he can play number six, number seven, and number eight, and that will be valuable with two locks on the bench.”
Saturday’s Test between Wales and the Springboks at the Millennium Stadium kicks off at 19:40.
Wales – TBA
Springboks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements – 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Handré Pollard
