Watch VideoTHE LAST WORD ON RUGBY PODCAST | Alignment camp signals start of Springbok season with big URC derby on the horizon

After scooping the URC Player of the Year award, Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will be under more scrutiny when they face the Bulls in the North-South derby on Saturday in Pretoria. With the international season fast approaching,the Springboks have begun laying the groundworkfor what promises to be another demanding year on the Test stage. The first reality check came with theSpringboks’opening alignment camp last week, wherehead coach Rassie Erasmusand his management team started outlining their plans ahead of the upcoming international window.

Meanwhile, hooker Malcolm Marx was honoured for his outstanding season after being crowned SA Rugby’s Player of the Yearat a glittering ceremony in Cape Town. Nadine Roos scooped the top prizes in the women’s game, while Ethan Hooker (Young Player) and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (URC Player of the Year) also grabbed the accolades. Now the first building blocks are in place as the Boks begin their preparations for upcoming clashes against the Barbarians, England, Scotland and Wales in the coming months.

In this episode ofThe Last Word on Rugby, the panel dissects the awards, the winners and those who may have been unlucky to miss out on further recognition. More importantly, we unpack the latest plans for the Springboks ahead of the international season and what Erasmus could have in store as the Boks prepare to face England and the rest of their northern hemisphere challengers. Will the likes of Sebastian de Klerk, Esethu Mnebelele and Cheswill Jooste be among those pushing for a Springbok debut this year?

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The rumours certainly suggest they could be in the mix. However, the outcome of the Six Nations — where Scotland surprised friend and foe alike — could yet alter some of the Springboks’ plans for the July Tests. The panel also dives into the struggles of the Stormers, including calls to relieve Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu of the captaincy despite being the reigning URC Player of the Year. Finally, we preview Saturday’s crucial North–South derby between the Bulls and the Cape side — a match that could either propel them towards a top playoff spot or leave them fighting just to secure a place in the Top 8 of the competition.

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