After the latest round of URC action, the Springboks are set to regroup for a preparation camp ahead of the upcoming November internationals against Scotland, England and Wales.
Unfortunately, all signs indicate that Damian Willemse will have to be withdrawn from the squad after picking up a groin injury in the Stormers’ game against the Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will not opt to call up a backline replacement for Willemse, rather opting to hand an opportunity to Bulls loose forward Cameron Hanekom.
Most pundits felt that Hanekom was the most unlucky player to have missed out on selection in the original end-of-year squad, but it appears he will now receive a rather unexpected call-up in place of a utility back.
Erasmus clearly feels that Aphelele Fassi and Willie le Roux can sufficiently cover fullback, and Hanekom will now add further depth among the forwards.
The Springboks will face Scotland in Edinburgh (Sunday 10 November), England in London (Saturday 16 November) and Wales in Cardiff (Saturday 23 November) on their traditional end-of-year tour.
Erasmus has named an incredibly powerful squad, but some key players are missing due to injury, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels ruled out last week due to an ankle injury – prompting call ups for his franchise team-mates Wilco Louw and Johan Grobbelaar.
Their inclusion in the group increases the number of players in the squad to 35 – comprising 19 forwards and 16 backs.
“It’s always sad to lose a player to injury and we wish Jan-Hendrik all the best on his road to recovery, but this opens up the door for Johan and Wilco to make their mark against quality opposition in Scotland, England and Wales,” said Erasmus.
“Jan-Hendrik offered us the luxury of serving as a prop and hooker, but with his versatility out of the picture, we decided to call up a specialist prop and hooker.
“Johan has been part of the squad this season and is really growing in his role and in the team, while Wilco has been delivering consistently superb performances for the Vodacom Bulls this season, and he has been knocking on the door for a while now, so I have no doubt he will want to grab this chance with both hands.
“We are certainly excited to see what they bring to the squad, while Wilco’s inclusion also adds to our player stocks as we continue to build our squad depth.”
Will Hanekom be added to this Springbok squad for the Outgoing Tour?
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster).
Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).
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