Bone Collector: Hanekom the 'complete package'

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Willem Alberts has hailed Cameron Hanekom as a “complete” player after the loose forward made his long-awaited debut for the Springboks against Wales in Cardiff.

Hanekom played most of the second half of the Springboks’ victory over the Dragons after replacing Vodacom Bulls teammate Elrigh Louw at blindside flank.

The 22-year-old is also comfortable at openside flank and No 8, where he has mostly played for the Vodacom Bulls over the past two seasons.

Writing for Sunday newspaper Rapport, former Bok flank Alberts, who earned the nickname ‘the Bone Collector’ for his massive tackles, said he rates Hanekome highly.

“I was excited to see Cameron Hanekom make his debut yesterday, exactly as I did 14 years ago,” Alberts wrote for Rapport.

“But he is a much better athlete and ball player than I was. He is more like Bobby Skinstad or Pierre Spies in terms of skills, but is also physical.

“He is the complete package.”

As the Springboks completed a successful season that saw the world champions win 11 out of 13 games while using 52 players, their next focus will be on Sunday’s World Rugby awards.

Three Springboks – Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe – are in the running for the Player of the Year award for 2024.

“All those Boks are the best in the world in their positions right now,” Alberts wrote. “I will always send a shout to Pieter-Steph because he was my roommate on his first Bok tour, and he is also a loose forward.

“I played with Eben in his first test and it’s great to see him become the most decorated Bok ever, while Cheslin is an incredible rugby player. He showed that dynamite comes in small packages, and I think he might win the prize.”

Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

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