Rassie eyes young Bulls bruisers
11/03/2024 12:54 AM
Rassie Erasmus has his sights set on a fresh wave of towering Bulls locks who could bolster the Springboks heading into the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
While Erasmus didn't name names, he hinted in a recent BBC podcast that there's serious potential coming out of Pretoria, with several young forwards making a strong case in the Vodacom URC and Currie Cup.
"There’s talent at lock coming through at the Bulls who we haven't given a chance to yet," Erasmus said, giving a nod to a group of players who could soon make the step up.
Ruan Nortje has already established himself on the international stage, but Erasmus's attention seems focused on a few of Nortje's Pretoria teammates
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Cobus Wiese, JF van Heerden, and the versatile Reinhardt Ludwig are among those who've been catching Erasmus’ eye.
Wiese has been especially impressive, cementing himself as one of the strongest ball-carriers and workhorses in the country. The 27-year-old joined the Vodacom Bulls after a solid stint in Manchester with Sale Sharks, and can play at both No 4 and No 5, as well as at blindside flank.
Meanwhile, Van Heerden, the 20-year-old Junior Bok, is seen as one of South Africa's most promising future five-locks, bringing energy and potential to the Springbok second row.
Then there's 22-year-old Ludwig, who combines versatility and dynamism. Comfortable at both lock and blindside flanker, Ludwig could develop into a Franco Mostert or Pieter-Steph du Toit-style hybrid—someone with the adaptability that Erasmus prizes in his squad.
Erasmus pointed to this depth when questioned about South Africa's ability to remain at the top of world rugby, crediting it to the country's elite player development systems, like the SARU’s EPD program, which has already produced stars such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Jaden Hendrikse.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images/World Rugby
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