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Bok legend pours petrol on hype around Henco van Wyk

Henco van Wyk of the Lions in action during the United Rugby Championship match between The Dragons and The Lions at Rodney Parade on May 21, 2022 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)

Seals of approval don’t come much bigger in South African rugby than that of Springboks’ great Bakkies Botha and that’s what he’s proffered in the case of Lions centre Henco van Wyk.

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There’s a considerable hype-train building around the blockbusting centre, who has been tearing it up in the URC this season to date.

It’s done enough to catch the eye of Botha, who tweeted over the weekend: “Like this Kid Lions Rugby “Henco van Wyk”.

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It’s added to the clamour around the 21-year-old, who was named in the South Africa A side for the end-of-year tour.

Respected South African journalist quipped after van Wyk’s brilliant performance over the weekend that: “Did anyone tell Henco van Wyk that he’s ALREADY made the SA A squad? Guy is playing like he has a point to prove. On fire.”

He wasn’t the only one that picked up on the young Lion’s outstanding form, with Rob Louw commenting that ‘above all Henco van Wyk at 13 have a bright future’.

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“I don’t think Lions are getting enough credit for their junior structures,” wrote Stephen from SA sports blog Forever Sports. “They lost Vincent Tshituka and Wandisile Simelane. Arguably two of their Top 5 players last season. Yet, Henco van Wyk and Ruan Venter have slotted in seamlessly and their absence hasn’t really been felt.”

Kelly R observed above a retweeted video of Van Wyk in action that: “Could see Henco van Wyk turn out for the Boks as well as SA “A” in the coming weeks if he continues to do things like this.”

It isn’t just on social where Henco is finding love, with Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen branding the youngster the ‘full package’.

“He’s good isn’t he. What I like about him is his character and his willingness to fight. If you can see how much this (result) is hurting him, he is the kind of guy you want in your team. Tough, quick, he’s the full package.”

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H
Hellhound 12 minutes ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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