With the drama of the Rugby Championship over, you might not think that the Currie Cup can fulfil that gap on a weekend.
But there are just three weeks to go to the Springboks’ next Test, against England at Twickenham on November 3.
So, there is a lot to play for when the Pumas face the Lions, Griquas take on the Sharks and the Blue Bulls host Western Province this weekend.
Here are five Bok hopefuls who will be keen to catch the eye of coach Rassie Erasmus…
Lionel Mapoe
The experienced outside centre was part of the Rugby Championship squad against Argentina, but was suddenly left out since, despite scoring two tries as a replacement wing against Los Pumas.
While Jesse Kriel had a strong second half against the All Blacks at Loftus, there is still a chance for Mapoe to show Rassie Erasmus what he is capable of – especially as it is unclear whether Lukhanyo Am will be over his injury in time to tour.
Hacjivah Dayimani
This youngster has set the Currie Cup alight this season with his tremendous speed across the ground. There have been murmurs that he doesn’t get stuck in to the “rough stuff” enough, as he is often spotted out wide.
Well, the robust Pumas are sure to put in a few “off-the-ball” hits to welcome Dayimani to Mbombela Stadium…
Curwin Bosch
Flyhalf, then fullback, now flyhalf again – it’s not surprising that Bosch hasn’t quite been at his best year.
But there’s no doubting his talent. He is much quicker than he looks, has a monster boot and can dictate play like a flyhalf should.
For him to get back into the Bok mix, though, he must prove that he can tackle.
Trevor Nyakane
He was part of the Bok squad for the last few Tests, but mainly on a conditioning programme.
Nyakane must dominate against the WP scrum at Loftus, as he is quickly falling behind in the Bok tighthead pecking order behind Frans Malherbe, Wilco Louw and Vincent Koch.
Plus Coenie Oosthuizen is back on the field, and there’s Thomas du Toit.
JD Schickerling
The WP giant has been outstanding this season, and could be just the tonic for the Boks on the end-of-year tour.
While he is a No 5 lock who rules the lineouts, he doesn’t shirk the hard yards, and is an enthusiastic ball-carrier.
JD Schickerling has been outstanding for Western Province. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
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