Juan de Jongh is probably one of the happiest guys in the world now that Allister Coetzee is in charge of the Springbok team.
Ignored by Coetzee’s predecessor, Heyneke Meyer, De Jongh last played in the Green and Gold back in 2012.
But he has been called up to the squad for the Rugby Championship, despite currently being at the Rio Olympics with the Sevens team.
De Jongh’s inclusion is not a surprise, but there will be some questioning whether he is currently a better choice than the Lions’ Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
Then, somehow, Morne Steyn is still in the mix, with Bryan Habana probably being one of the bigger surprises in the squad.
Habana is a South African legend, that we know.
He has a presence and will add some much-needed experience to the squad. That is probably why he is still cracking the nod at 33, while playing overseas.
But while this is understandable, there are players such as Courtnal Skosan and other young wingers currently playing in SA that might be wondering how and if they will ever be chosen for higher honours.
Then you have Johan Goosen.
Currently thin on flyhalves, I believe this is where Goosen will benefit the national team most.
Yes, there is a problem at fullback too and he can fill that gap.
But the Springboks need a long-term solution at the back of the line and the sooner they sort this out the better.
Jesse Kriel is a player I would like to see at fullback as Cheslin Kolbe struggles.
It is his natural position and he’s not exactly set the world alight in the middle of the park this year.
Up front, Scarra Ntubeni is probably the unluckiest player in South Africa.
Having been overtaken by Bongi Mbonambi both at the Stormers and at national level, Ntubeni was left out of the squad for the in-form Malcolm Marx.
It proves that a player has to play regularly to achieve his full potential.
And I feel Ntubeni has a decision to make regarding his future.
He is good enough to start at any of the SA franchises, but at the Stormers he is currently not getting enough recognition.
Yes, injuries have also played a role.
But I’ve always had a problem with a double-up of international quality stars at franchises.