Three initial Springbok squad members have been ruled out through injury and Rassie Erasmus has called up four others, including an uncapped rookie, plug those gaps.
YOUNGSTER STARS STEP UP TO HELP INJURY-HIT SPRINGBOKS
Last week, utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels pulled out of the Bok squad due to an ankle injury, which resulted in the call-ups of his Bulls teammates Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and Wilco Louw (prop).
On Sunday, Cameron Hanekom earned his first call-up to the Springbok squad in the latest injury-enforced update to Rassie Erasmus’ 35-player group for the year-end tour.
Hanekom — who also qualifies to represent Wales through a grandparent — has been drafted into the Springbok touring party after Damian Willemse suffered a tour-ending groin injury while playing for the Stormers.
On Monday, news broke that Frans Malherbe had been absent from the Springbok squad as they travelled to the United Kingdom and it has since been confirmed that the veteran prop was withdrawn due to an ankle injury.
On Tuesday, Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse, younger brother of scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, will take Malherbe’s place in the squad. He is scheduled to link up with the Springboks in Jersey on Thursday.
The enlarged 35-man Bok squad now consists of 19 forwards and 16 backs.
UPDATED SPRINGBOK SQUAD FOR THE NOVEMBER TOUR:
Bok props: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, *Wilco Louw, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp.
Bok hookers: *Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi.
Springbok locks: Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman.
Bok loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, *Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese.
Springbok scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams.
Bok flyhalves: Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, *Jordan Hendrikse.
Springbok centres: Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel.
Bok outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie.
* Denotes players who have been drafted into the squad due to injuries to members of the initial 34-man touring group.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE LATEST BOK SQUAD UPDATE?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this TSA Springbok article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news and views.
