Who will start at flyhalf for Springboks’ first Test of 2024?

Earlier this year it was confirmed by SA Rugby that the Springboks will begin their Test season with a mouthwatering fixture — against Wales in London — on 22 June.

Rassie Erasmus has already stated that this Test will be used to introduce uncapped players to the international arena, while South Africa will call on its most senior players to front up to Ireland in the two-match series in July.

With the Welsh clash falling outside of the international Test window, it means that overseas-based players won’t be available, ruling out veteran flyhalf Handre Pollard.

So, who will start at flyhalf for the Springboks’ first Test of 2024?

Manie Libbok

The Stormers star is probably the obvious choice, considering he firmly established himself as one of the Springboks’ top two flyhalves last year and took over the No 10 jersey when Pollard was injured.

However, the Springbok coaches know what they have in Libbok, and will probably want to use this one-off match to expose a “newcomer” to Test rugby.

Jordan Hendrikse

The talented 22-year-old hasn’t always been the first-choice flyhalf at the Lions, but he has the sort of raw potential that has undoubtedly caught the eye of the Springbok coaches.

Hendrikse was included in the first Bok alignment camp of the year, and he could be the sort of “next-gen” talent who could very possibly end up being a left-field selection at 10.

Sanele Nohamba

The 25-year-old has been the surprise find of the season at the Lions, where his move to flyhalf has proved to be incredibly successful.

At Test level, the Springbok coaches may well feel that Nohamba is better suited to a role at scrumhalf, but there is no doubt that he is one player who deserves a shot against Wales based on his domestic form.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

If the Springboks really want to opt for experimentation against Wales, it would be pretty exciting to see prodigiously talented Feinberg-Mngomezulu crack the nod at No 10.

The 22-year-old has started much at flyhalf at senior level, but he boasts all the ability in the world to make this position work for him in the future.

UNCAPPED PLAYERS INVITED TO FIRST ALIGNMENT CAMP EARLIER THIS YEAR: