Over the course of the 2024 season, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has sought to expand the team’s depth, having used 49 players across the 10 Tests to date.
However, after naming the squad for the end-of-year tour on Tuesday, it was certainly noteworthy that he opted against adding any other ‘newcomers’ to the group.
It means that rising stars such as Bulls No 8 Cameron Hanekom and Lions wing Edwill van der Merwe – to name just a couple – were unable to crack the nod despite some bright performances at the start of the URC.
Ultimately, there was not enough space in a squad of just 34 players, especially as Damian Willemse (utility back), Andre Esterhuizen (centre), RG Snyman and Franco Mostert (both locks) all return from injury.
The players ruled out due to injury are Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Salmaan Moerat (both knee injuries), Steven Kitshoff (neck) and Lood de Jager (shoulder). Erasmus’ squad includes 18 forwards and 16 backs.
Erasmus admitted that selecting the squad was challenging given the depth they had built up this year.
“There’s no doubt that there are several unlucky players who could easily have made the touring squad, but unfortunately we could only select 34 players,” said Erasmus.
“That said, this squad includes a healthy mix of youth and experience, with most of these players having made a strong statement in the Springbok jersey this year.
“It’s also great to have RG, Franco, Andre, and Damian back in the mix after recovering from their injuries, and we are excited to see what impact they have on the field, especially after their disappointment of missing out on the Rugby Championship.
“Damian, Andre and RG all returned to action in the United Rugby Championship and have made a strong statement with their performances, and we all know what a work horse Franco is and the quality that he adds to the team, so there’s no doubt they’ll want to make their presence felt against quality opposition in Scotland, England and Wales, who are all ranked within the top 11 sides in the world.”
Springbok squad named by Rassie Erasmus:
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).
Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster).
Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Utility forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).
What do you think of this squad?
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