Rassie backs Makhaza for Bok debut

Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, has backed player, Ntokozo Makhaza, to get make his Springbok debut in the future.

Erasmus called Makhaza into the Springbok training camp without playing a game of professional rugby.

Makhaza set the Varsity Cup seen alight with performances that have also caught the eye of the two-time Rugby World Cup winning coach.

The 23-year-old Makhaza found out about his selection for the start of the international season on social media, plays for the University of Cape Town and is a reliable goal-kicker and speedy on the wing.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with him,” Erasmus told YSport on Thursday. “He’s consistently been the top Varsity Cup player, and especially in terms of point scoring, probably one of the best in the competition’s history.”

“You sometimes wonder, is this one of those players who slipped through the cracks? It’s been good to see what he brings.”

Erasmus hinted that the June 28 match against the Barbarians in Cape Town, and July’s two tests against Italy and one versus Georgia, might come too soon, but believes Makhaza could wear the jersey in the future.

“We definitely think he’s someone who could play for the Springboks one day. It might be a bit early now. He’s slotted in really well, but we’re also being realistic. Having said that, he’s certainly not far off the pace,” Erasmus said.

“I think he’s going to make it one day. And if we hadn’t given him this chance, we’d never know.” Written by Ntsako Mkhari