In the past, when tour games were common during Springbok trips worldwide, younger squad members often missed out on Test caps.
They were part of the "dirt-trackers," playing midweek games against clubs, franchises, or provinces, while the main team featured in weekend Test matches.
Nowadays, due to tight modern rugby schedules, only the British and Irish Lions can plan such midweek games. As a result, being selected for a Bok tour today almost guarantees some game-time, even if its just five minutes at the end of a convincing victory.
