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The four South African players on Steve Borthwick's England radar
With the southern hemisphere solely focused on The Rugby Championship, it is a perfect time for the leading teams in the northern hemisphere to preview and review ahead of the Autumn Nations Series later this year.
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It will be a very challenging November schedule for England as they take on New Zealand, Australia and South Africa at Twickenham. The 2024 Rugby Championship, though, will give England head coach Steve Borthwick valuable insight into the different opposition philosophises.
However, he also has ample time to boost his set-up and it seems like he might be looking at a few South African stars to help him lift his team. According to media reports, Borthwick has his eye on four South African players, who will soon qualify for England on residency.
Tyrone Green is regarded as one the best backline players in the Gallagher Premiership and has become a fan favourite. The 26-year-old Harlequins ace can cover just about every position in the backline. A product of Jeppe High School, Green joined Harlequins in 2020 from the Lions, becoming an integral part of their set-up and helping to secure their second Premiership title in 2021.
He has signed a long-term contract with the London club, but England will have to wait as he won’t be eligible until June 2025 due to residency regulations. One might see him gain international experience with the British and Irish Lions for their trip to Australia next year.
Jacques Vermeulen is a formidable player who joined Exeter Chiefs in 2019 from the Sharks. The forward, who can play lock and back row, has proven to be an incredible figure for the Premiership side. The former South Africa U20s international will qualify for England soon and his mobility and breakdown skills could be vital for Borthwick. While he would face fierce competition for places, it is fairly easy to imagine the industrious Paarl-born flank thriving in a Test match.
Vermeulen’s fellow South African loose forward Hanro Liebenberg arrived at Leicester from the Bulls in 2019. He has been in fine form for the Tigers and has been voted his club’s player of the year. The 28-year-old was also part of the Tigers’ title-winning Premiership side in 2022.
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Meanwhile, after heading to the Premiership from the Cheetahs in 2021, Benhard Janse van Rensburg has been making loads of strides in England. He joined London Irish and made more than 50 appearances for the Exiles over two seasons, scoring 11 Premiership tries before finding his place at Bristol Bears in 2023. The 27-year-old centre also covers fly-half.
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Not sure how someone being eligible in 2026 is relevant. Poor article designed to cause arguments.
South Africa need to head to the Pacific and grab some meaty wingers...
Where is the pacific? Is that north or south of the Jukskei?
I scheme we’re missing a trick.
There’s some big ass mothertruckers up in Africa.
A handful of Senegalese Wrestlers would be nice.
If Tyrone Green hasn’t been part of any of the boks plans by now, I can’t see him becoming a Bok.
Unless SARU/Rassie has been talking to any of these players on the side about their chances and “roadmaps” - then it’s fair game England.
We could pick them all for the squad to play against England at Twickenham in November and take them out of contention for England, but unless they’re seen as long term options, that wouldn’t be fair on the players.
Trokkie is the guy I'm worried about losing. Juarno Augustus is a proper eighth man. He and Cameron Hanekom.
Yes! Mentioned him before elsewhere and he’s the forgotten 8 who I have no doubt would be huge for the Boks. Amazing player. Hannekom will be our 8 moving forward, of this have little doubt.
England could be the new Scotland of South African rugby 😃
Following the Ireland model too.
If you can’t beat em… hire their coaching staff AND muscle up with players deemed surplus to requirements. Imagine being a young English born player who’s overlooked.. pride in the Jersey and singing the national anthem half heartedly doesn’t appear to be an issue at the RFU. Funniest thing i heard was CJ Stander - one of Irelands best ever players - being interviewed.. what an accent 😅