After one more round of URC action, the full Springbok squad will regroup to begin accelerating preparation for the end-of-year tour.
Rassie Erasmus named a 34-man squad for their UK tour on Tuesday, with the Springboks set to face Scotland in Edinburgh (Sunday 10 November), England in London (Saturday 16 November) and Wales in Cardiff (Saturday 23 November).
Here are the end-of-year fixtures and kick off times for the Springboks:
Sunday, 10 November vs Scotland at Murrayfield, Edinburgh – 18:10 (SA time)
Saturday, 16 November vs England, Allianz Stadium, London – 19:40 (SA time)
Saturday, 23 November vs Wales, Principality Stadium, Cardiff – 19:40 (SA time)
Erasmus was hopeful that the Springboks could finish the year on a high note, especially after suffering only two defeats in their 10 matches this season – both by only one point against Argentina and Ireland – he admitted that it would take a gallant effort by his charges.
“We are under no illusions about the quality of the opposition we will face, and we have experienced first-hand how their home crowds lift them, much like our passionate supporters, so we know what it will take to be successful over there,” he said.
“Fortunately, we have a squad that believes in themselves and their abilities, and that will be vital as we enter these matches.
“Obviously we’ll take confidence from winning the Rugby Championship, but the reality is that’s now history, and there’s no doubt that will motivate the opposition even more to make a strong statement against us.”
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.
Springbok squad for the Outgoing Tour:
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).
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