Big moment for van der Mescht as Saints lock gets Springboks call

It is a big moment for van der Mescht, who is as yet uncapped by South Africa.

His performances since joining Saints from Stade Français last summer have caught the eye of Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus.

And van der Mescht is one of 21 players from around the world who got the nod for Tuesday’s alignment camp.

Back in the mix are scrum-half Herschel Jantjies, a member of the triumphant 2019 RWC squad who last played for the Boks in 2023, and centre Lukhanyo Am, whose last Test was in 2024.

The other World Cup winners invited to the camp are World Rugby and SA Rugby men’s player of the year Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Jasper Wiese, as well as Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Manie Libbok.

Van der Mescht and Union Bordeaux Bègles prop Carlü Sadie are the only uncapped players in the group.

Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus said: “Carlü and JJ have performed really well for their clubs this season, and players such as Herschel and Lukhanyo, last played for us a while ago, so it’s important that they are up to date with how our systems have changed and what our key pillars are, so it is pleasing to see them among this experienced group of international players.”

Erasmus was delighted to continue kicking on with their preparations for the international season, which begins on Saturday, June 20 with a game against the Barbarians in Gqberha.

Two sessions will be hosted throughout the day to accommodate the players’ different time zones, where they will be presented with the Boks’ macroplan for the year and detailed visions by Erasmus and his coaching team in their respective areas of expertise.

This camp follows the first in-person camp earlier this month, when 49 players reported for duty in Cape Town.

“Our in-person alignment camp was successful in terms of exposing the players to our expectations and the detail we are looking for at international level this season, and we are thrilled to present those plans to the overseas-based players,” said Erasmus.

“The main purpose of the alignment camps is to get everyone on the same page and ensure that they understand our values and what we are trying to achieve on the field, and with the international season drawing closer, it’s a good time to get the players tuned into our systems and structures, so by the time we have our first official training camp in June, everyone is aware of what we expect from them.”

Erasmus and his coaching team will host their second alignment camp in Cape Town followed by another virtual alignment camp in May, which will be crucial in preparing the players for the first training camp.

The Barbarians fixture will be followed by three local matches in the Nations Championship, against England in Johannesburg (July 4), Scotland in Pretoria (July 11), and Wales in Durban (July 18).

They will then meet Argentina in Buenos Aires (August 8), and the All Blacks in four Tests in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series in August and September.

This will be followed by an away Test against the Wallabies in Australia (September 27). The second leg of the Nations Championship kicks off in Europe at the end of the year, with matches against Italy (November 7), France (November 13), and Ireland (November 21), before the Finals Weekend in London (November 27-29).

Players invited to first virtual Springbok alignment camp…

Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Carlü Sadie, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Boan Venter, JJ van der Mescht, Marnus van der Merwe, Jasper Wiese.

Backs: Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok.