Cameron Hanekom, the Welsh-qualified South Africa No. 8, has become the talk of South African rugby after a match-winning display against Argentina. The 24-year-old was outstanding as the Springboks survived a huge scare to beat Argentina 17-10 in Buenos Aires, producing a performance that has been hailed as his coming-of-age moment at Test level.
Match-winning performance
Hanekom carried 13 times for 82 metres and scored South Africa's decisive try, while his work at the breakdown and relentless defensive effort repeatedly stood out in a bruising encounter. The reaction from the South African media has been emphatic.
News24 declared "Hanekom comes of age" in its headline, while RugbyPass described him as "inspirational". Planet Rugby awarded him 8/10, highlighting his try, breakdown work and tireless effort. The publication added that he had shown glimpses of why he has been tipped for an "incredibly bright future" in the Springbok jersey.
Best Bok on the field
The Citizen went even further. Hanekom was given 8/10 and described as "the best Bok on the field by some distance", with the publication praising his tackling, carrying, ability to win penalties and his pick-and-go try. The Springboks had several experienced stars on the field, but Hanekom's performance outshone them all.
His path has not been entirely straightforward, with injuries interrupting his progress and the fiercely competitive nature of the Springboks squad limiting opportunities since his debut against Wales in 2024. Saturday's display in Buenos Aires appears to be a turning point, though, with many believing he should now start in the upcoming Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.
Welsh links
There was a time when Wales' previous regime hoped Hanekom could have been lining up in red rather than green and gold. The South Africa No. 8 is Welsh-qualified through his grandmother and, as his reputation grew at the Bulls, it's understood an enquiry was made as to whether he would be interested in pledging his allegiance to Wales. But Hanekom always had his sights set elsewhere.
Hanekom has more recently played down the previous links with Wales but was asked about the possibility in 2023, revealing his grandmother was born and raised in Wales. He said: "At the moment, my focus is fully on doing my job here at the Bulls. We're in one of the toughest competitions and we've set ourselves objectives that require my full attention. I'm trying to keep the main thing the main thing at the moment. It's the dream of every youngster.
"I've heard the talking is going around (about Wales). I don't want to get too carried away at the moment about speaking about what-ifs or what could be. Otherwise, I could open my mind up to a cycle of never-ending possibilities that could possibly side-track me from the job in hand. As I said before, I'd rather let the main thing stay the main thing at the moment. And if anything comes in the future, I'll take it as it comes."
Sadly for Wales, his dream of becoming a Springbok is now a reality and he looks set to be a significant figure for years to come.
