South African rugby is rich in talent and because of that, a number of quality players go to waste at an international level.
This weekend, though, the cream of the crop in South Africa will be on display in the semifinals of the Currie Cup.
The action kicks off in Durban where the Sharks will host the Golden Lions at 2.30pm, before Western Province and the Blue Bulls lock horns at Newlands at 5 pm.
Here we look at some of the players that will be looking to impress national coach Rassie Erasmus in order to book their places on the Springboks’ end-of-year tour to the UK.
Dillyn Leyds
When fullbacks and wings were thin, Erasmus looked verby Leyds and instead called up his former WP tjommie from the UK, Cheslin Kolbe.
Leyds, meanwhile, continues to impress with his form in the Currie Cup and will be out to make a final statement during the playoffs of this tournament.
Curwin Bosch
LONG SHOT: Sharks backliner Curwin Bosch. Photo: CHRIS RICCO/BACKPAGEPIX
Now seen as a fullback more than a flyhalf, Bosch was overtaken by Damian Willemse as the next big thing in South African rugby.
He is now no longer in the Bok frame and will be looking for a big match against the Lions to show Erasmus that he can step up in big games.
Akker van der Merwe
LOOKING FOR A HOOK-UP: Akker van der Merwe. Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
South Africa’s best hooker Malcolm Marx is expected to wear the No.2 jumper for the Golden Lions against the Sharks in Durban.
Having warmed the bench for Marx during his time in Johannesburg, Van der Merwe has a point to prove against his former teammate for a spot on the European tour.
Embrose Papier
PLAYMAKER: Embrose Papier. Photo: CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/BACKPAGEPIX
On the bench against WP last weekend, Papier is also a benchwarmer at international level. And with the Boks’ No.1 choice Faf de Klerk not available next month, Papier wants to show that he can be the one that wears the national team’s No.9 jersey.
But first, he must prove that he is the best in his province and then that he is the best at the provincial level.