Former Bok captain expects Cameron Hanekom to be unleashed on UK tour

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus added Hanekom to his 35-man squad as an injury replacement for utility back Damian Willemse, who was ruled out due to a groin injury while on duty for the Stormers in their United Rugby Championship defeat to Glasgow Warriors in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

Krige, who represented South Africa in 39 Tests between 1999 and 2003, is an unabashed fan of Hanekom's style of play and is not surprised that Erasmus added him to the Boks squad as a replacement for Willemse.

"That's Rassie (Erasmus). He is the only one who would choose a loose forward in a full-back's place and I believe he will definitely want to give Cameron a chance on the tour," Krige said.

"I am very excited about what he can offer the Springboks, especially with the great focus that is now on attacking rugby. He should fit in very well with that pattern of play."

Hanekom's call-up to the world champions' squad came ahead of fellow loose forwards like Ben-Jason Dixon and Phepsi Buthelezi, who both made their international debuts earlier this year.

Dixon, who represented the Springboks in five Tests this year, was not included in the Boks' original squad for their Tests against Scotland, England and Wales.

He suffered a knee injury in the Stormers' clash with Glasgow Warriors although the severity of it is yet to be determined.

Krige believes Hanekom's versatility - he can play in all three back-row positions - will be beneficial to the Springboks.

"What I like about Cameron is that he is quick and has good hands, but is also a good defender and can play to the ground," said the 49-year-old.

"Although he is not a specialist ball chaser, he can steal balls for you. Cameron is also very physical and a dangerous ball carrier. In that respect, he is the ideal loose forward in modern rugby."

Jasper Wiese is the Springboks' first choice number eight and started in that position in their last four Rugby Championship Tests, against New Zealand and Argentina.

Apart from Hanekom and Wiese, Kwagga Smith and Elrigh Louw are also players in the current Springbok squad who are capable of packing down at number eight.

Erasmus will be tempted to hand a player like Hanekom his Test debut in the Boks' final Test against Wales in Cardiff on November 23, provided they win their clashes with Scotland and England on November 10 and 16 at Murrayfield and Twickenham respectively.

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