Check out Part 1 of this column by Gareth, HERE.

I took some stick for including Luke Watson in last week’s Super Rugby Bok watch. Please allow me to clarify – this isn’t a list of players that I think should or will be included in Heyneke Meyer’s first Springbok team.  Rather, it’s a list of players worth keeping an eye on to see if they’ve got what it takes to cut the mustard.

Aside from Marcell Coetzee and Chiliboy Ralepelle it wasn’t a great first outing for the eight forwards I highlighted. Props Steven Kitshoff and Coenie Oosthuizen had torrid outings that will have had the Bok coach marking their report cards with crosses and question marks in vivid red pen. We’re not simply looking for the next hero – we’re also keeping an eye out for those players that could have a “Greyling” in the Green and Gold.

Super Rugby is a tough school and over a season it’s not just the form players that will be included in the Bok team. It’s also the players that perform when the going gets tough and can consistently show that they are Springbok material.

So without further ado, let’s have a look at the backline players that I’ve put on the radar.

9. Nic Groom

Groom is in possession of the Stormers #9 shirt, but faces a battle to make it his own this season. At the same time he’s facing stiff opposition from Francois Hougaard, Cobus Reinach, Piet van Zyl and Shaun Venter on the domestic front who all aim to disposess Ruan Pienaar from the Bok starting role. He’s a livewire and certainly seems to me to be the player will all the attributes for the job – let’s see how he’ll handle the pressure.

10. Johan Goosen

The Golden Goose of Cheetahs rugby needs to settle quickly – he’s already been schooled by Patrick Lambie in his first game – get his kicking right and put his injury worries behind him. Certainly earmarked by many as the next great South African flyhalf, for once there’s some pleasing competition in the pivot position. He’s a freakish talent, make no mistake.

11. Raymond Rhule

The Ghanain born flyer burst onto the scene last year for SA u20s and the Cheetahs. He’s raw, quick and elusive – all great qualities for a winger.  He needs to polish his game rapidly as there’s no place to hide in a full season of Super Rugby or on the international stage.

12. Frans Steyn 

Why are we watching Steyn? When he’s on top form he’s undoubtedly the best inside centre in the land.  Well, last season he didn’t quite seem the player of old so we’ll need to see if he can rediscover his barnstorming form. Big, strong and rock solid on defence and attack – he’s also got a seige-gun boot that can win games for his side. Handed the captaincy by John Plumtree who clearly thinks he’s maturing from a young maverick into a mature leader.

13. Paul Jordaan

Fortunately we decided to serialize this column as last week I had JJ Engelbrecht down as one to watch at 13. While the Bulls man had a good outing against the Stormers it was the searing pace of Jordaan that made people sit up and take notice. He’s a silky and elusive runner and his partnership with Steyn is one that already has Sharks fans crowing.  Not that Sharks fans need much encouragement to start crowing!

14. Sergeal Peterson

The fairytale story of the Kings’ admission to Super Rugby. Two tries, man of the match and only 18-years-old.  Things will get tougher for the former SA Schools superstar, but he’s already played his way into the history books.

15. SP Marais 

Sarel Petrus Marais took a windy road to Super Rugby. He play for Boland and the Leopards before moving to EP in 2011. Thrust into the limelight last Saturday he looked as if he’d been playing at this level for years. Solid at the back, glimpses of good pace and a booming boot his performance was key to the Kings win. There’s plenty of competition at fullback, but if won’t hurt if there’s another player throwing his name into the hat for selection.

There you have it – those are the backline players to keep an eye on.  We’ll review these players near the halfway mark of the competition to see whether they’ve advanced their Bok claims.

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Check out Part 1 of this column by Gareth, HERE.

Check out Gareth’s excellent Arena Sport, while you’re at it.