Rassie Erasmus has made a surprise call to replace the injured Damian Willemse with Vodacom Bulls bruiser Cameron Hanekom for the Springboks’ year-end tour.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Hanekom has been handed a golden opportunity after initially missing out on selection, a move that had stirred debate among rugby circles.
The unexpected call-up came after Willemse suffered a groin injury during the Stormers’ 28-17 loss to Glasgow Warriors in Stellenbosch, cutting short his comeback after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
After the match, DHL Stormers coach John Dobson expressed immediate concern for Willemse’s injury. At the same time, the situation for tighthead Frans Malherbe, who left the field in the 50th minute with an ankle injury, appears less dire.
Instead of opting for another backline player to fill Willemse’s versatile role, Erasmus has doubled down on strengthening the loose forwards.
Hanekom will join the Springboks in Jersey ahead of their three-Test series in Europe, beginning with a clash against Scotland on 10 November.
It is the second injury replacement to Erasmus’ initial touring squad, following the ankle injury to Jan-Hendrik Wessels, whose spot was filled by Bulls teammates Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw.
The Springboks are set to depart on Sunday for their pre-tour camp in Jersey.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
