Seals of approval don’t come much bigger in South African rugby than that of Springboks’ great Bakkies Botha and that’s what he’s proffered in the case of Lions centre Henco van Wyk.
There’s a considerable hype-train building around the blockbusting centre, who has been tearing it up in the URC this season to date.
Henco van Wyk has torn apart rival sides in the URC this season.
Despite being selected for the Springbok A side this Autumn, fans think he should be fast tracked in preparation for the World Cup in France ? pic.twitter.com/ALOaBmcIJs
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 31, 2022
It’s done enough to catch the eye of Botha, who tweeted over the weekend: “Like this Kid Lions Rugby “Henco van Wyk”.
Like this Kid @LionsRugbyCo “Henco van Wyk” ????
— Bakkies Botha (@BakkiesBotha4) October 29, 2022
It’s added to the clamour around the 21-year-old, who was named in the South Africa A side for the end-of-year tour.
Respected South African journalist quipped after van Wyk’s brilliant performance over the weekend that: “Did anyone tell Henco van Wyk that he’s ALREADY made the SA A squad? Guy is playing like he has a point to prove. On fire.”
Did anyone tell Henco van Wyk that he's ALREADY made the SA A squad?
Guy is playing like he has a point to prove. On fire #URC
— Jon Cardinelli (@jon_cardinelli) October 29, 2022
He wasn’t the only one that picked up on the young Lion’s outstanding form, with Rob Louw commenting that ‘above all Henco van Wyk at 13 have a bright future’.
Great second half for the @THESTORMERS thought 10 12 and Harzenburg have a great future! Roos was as usual exceptional! 7 and 8 and above all Henco van Wyk at 13 have a bright future for this young @LionsRugbyCo side!! Great game by both teams!!
— Rob Louw (@roblouw6) October 29, 2022
“I don’t think Lions are getting enough credit for their junior structures,” wrote Stephen from SA sports blog Forever Sports. “They lost Vincent Tshituka and Wandisile Simelane. Arguably two of their Top 5 players last season. Yet, Henco van Wyk and Ruan Venter have slotted in seamlessly and their absence hasn’t really been felt.”
I don't think Lions are getting enough credit for their junior structures. They lost Vincent Tshituka and Wandisile Simelane. Arguably two of their Top 5 players last season. Yet, Henco van Wyk and Ruan Venter have slotted in seamlessly and their absence hasn't really been felt.
— Stephen (@SteviePSport) October 28, 2022
Kelly R observed above a retweeted video of Van Wyk in action that: “Could see Henco van Wyk turn out for the Boks as well as SA “A” in the coming weeks if he continues to do things like this.”
Could see Henco van Wyk turn out for the Boks as well as SA "A" in the coming weeks if he continues to do things like this #LIOvSTO #URC https://t.co/CYfrWQTVkl
— Kelly R (@KelRo736) October 29, 2022
It isn’t just on social where Henco is finding love, with Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen branding the youngster the ‘full package’.
“He’s good isn’t he. What I like about him is his character and his willingness to fight. If you can see how much this (result) is hurting him, he is the kind of guy you want in your team. Tough, quick, he’s the full package.”
