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Breyton Paulse has thrown his support behind an up-and-coming DHL Stormers flier to earn his green and gold colours as the Springboks widen the selection net with an eye to the 2027 World Cup.
Paulse was speaking during an online Vodacom URC media round table, where he was asked which players on the fringe of the Springbok squad had caught his eye.
The former Bok wing, who scored 26 tries in 64 Test matches, explained that DHL Stormers speedster Suleiman Hartzenberg should be close to earning a national team call-up.
“In terms of young players and players knocking on the door for the tour, I do really like Suleiman Hartzenberg. I do feel he has the potential,” Paulse said.
“I put my pen on paper to say he will be a Springbok one day. He has all the credentials. He has the identity and personality.”
Hartzenberg broke into the Stormers squad in the 2022-23 campaign, scoring seven tries in his rookie season to help the Cape side progress to a second successive Vodacom URC final.
The 23-year-old followed that up with five tries last season and has started to shift into midfield at outside centre, adding a bit of versatility to his game.
Paulse added that a lot will depend on whether Rassie Erasmus sticks with his tried and tested options for the November tour – when the Boks face Scotland, England and Wales – as to whether more fringe players are given an opportunity.
“They have used 49 players. There are a few injured, like [Sacha] Feinberg-Mngomezulu, but with the squad they have, there are enough key players right now to take on the tour.
“It’s looking good for the Boks right now. A lot of fringe players would want the opportunity, if Rassie rests his stalwarts that have been play for the full year. It’s nice to have a squad with that kind of depth. It’s healthy competition. That’s a happy team and they can’t wait to go on tour.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images