While Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has spread the net extremely wide this year, using 52 players in total, Stormers fans may feel that it wasn’t wide enough.
One of their favourite sons, 21-year-old utility back Suleiman Hartzenberg, was one of the few consistent performers in the United Rugby Championship who didn’t earn a Test cap in 2024.
It is almost understandable that Hartzenberg – although impressive – missed out on Bok selection, considering the plethora of talent out wide, including Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe. But Hartzenberg is also well capable of operating at outside centre, and with Jesse Kriel and Lukhanyo Am the only real Test-quality No 13s in the country, the youngster from Manenberg may have been worth a shot against Portugal perhaps.
The Stormers right wing, though, can remind Erasmus of his abilities once more when the Capetonians travel to Durban to take on the Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday (kick-off 5pm) upon the resumption of the URC.
Coach John Dobson will hope that his team can make a fresh start to the season, having lost 28-17 to the Glasgow Warriors in Stellenbosch in their previous clash on October 26.
“I’m super excited to be back. I think the break was a much-needed one, where I could just rest and kind of go again,” said Hartzenberg, who could come up against the experienced Mapimpi this weekend.
“The boys are super stoked to be back, and kind of wanting to get stuck in and make the faithful smile again.
“I wouldn’t say disappointed (about the Bok selection), but something that I’m striving towards. Given that I am quite young, it’s a privilege to be in that set-up, and to get an opportunity at a young age.
“So for me, it’s just to see what happens, and I have to perform for the Stormers – do well here, and from there, I will try to get my higher honours. But I have to perform here in order to get that.
“I do see myself playing centre in the future, but at the moment, the team needs me at wing, and I’ll happily switch between the two – just to play rugby and see where the opportunity lies, and not be scared to take up the challenge and be versatile.”
Meanwhile, the Stormers confirmed yesterday that Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies will be joining French club Bayonne at the end of the season.
Jantjies was granted an early release from the Cape franchise despite being contracted until June 2026, and is understood to have received a two-year deal from Bayonne.
Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies will be released from his contract with the DHL Stormers at the end of the current season to take up an offer to play in France.https://t.co/3GbKrjdgGC
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) November 26, 2024
“This is a life-changing opportunity for me and my family. The Stormers mean so much to me and the people of the region, and I would not be in this position if it were not for the important role my coaches and teammates have played in my development as a player and a person,” he said.
“I will always be a Stormers fan, and want to thank all involved for the incredible years I have spent here playing the game that I love.”
Coach John Dobson added: “Herschel’s story is an inspirational one, and we are immensely proud of what he has achieved here with us. We wish him all the best in France as he takes up a deal that will change things drastically for him and his young family.”