Springboks name 43-man squad for All Blacks series and Argentina Test
Springboks squad announced
Rassie Erasmus has named a 43-man Springboks squad for the upcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series against the All Blacks and a Test match against Argentina. The squad will gather in Johannesburg to prepare for the match in Buenos Aires, scheduled for August 8.
The Springboks are set to play four Tests against the All Blacks. These matches will take place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on August 22, DHL Stadium in Cape Town on August 29, FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on September 5, and the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA, on September 12.
Five players have been released to their franchises to participate in midweek matches against the All Blacks as part of the inaugural Greatest Rivalry Series. These players are prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, number eight Evan Roos, hooker Andre-Hugo Venter, scrum-half Embrose Papier, and wing Jaco Williams.
Key returns and squad adjustments
The squad sees the return of 10 experienced international players who have recovered from injuries. Among them are locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, utility forward Franco Mostert, back-rower Siya Kolisi, scrum-half Morne van den Berg, fly-halves Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Handre Pollard, centre/flanker Andre Esterhuizen, and utility backs Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie.
Etzebeth and Kolisi were late withdrawals from a previous match against England but have recovered to join the squad. Etzebeth’s return, alongside de Jager and Mostert, significantly bolsters the team’s second-row options. These three World Cup winners, combined with Cobus Wiese and Ruan Nortje, provide considerable depth in the lock position.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who played at number 10 for the Springboks last year and impressed against Los Pumas in Durban, is also back after an injury setback. Pollard has recovered from a hamstring strain, and Morne van den Berg has been recalled to the squad, replacing Embrose Papier.
Utility backs Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie are fit, as is Andre Esterhuizen, who sustained a cheekbone injury that did not require surgery.
Emerging talents and strategic decisions
Rassie Erasmus has adopted a strategic approach by splitting the squad into two groups. One group will travel to Argentina, while the other will remain in Johannesburg for training. This strategy aims to provide all players with an opportunity to compete for spots in the RGR Series squad, especially those returning from injury who need game time.
Vusi Moyo, a 20-year-old pivot, retains his place in the squad despite the return of more experienced fly-halves. His inclusion is seen as an opportunity to nurture his potential for a long career with the Springboks.
Paul de Villiers impressed in Siya Kolisi’s absence, earning the man of the match award against Wales. His performance has elevated his standing, and he is now vying for a place in the matchday 23.
Vincent Tshituka’s versatility, allowing him to play in both the back and second rows, was a key factor in his selection. He is considered a valuable asset for the team due to his lineout prowess, gain line ability, and leadership qualities.
Elrigh Louw, initially not selected, earned his spot after an injury to Riley Norton. His strong performance against Scotland, following a career-threatening injury, showcased his abrasive and effective style of play. Like Tshituka, he offers versatility across the back-five forward positions.
Hooker Johan Grobbelaar appears to be solidifying his position as a key player behind Malcolm Marx, having been in and out of the squad since his Test debut in 2024. Carlu Sadie, who made his full Test debut against Wales, also secured his place in the squad.
Ruben van Heerden, a lock who recently debuted against Wales, has been omitted from the main groups as he settles with his new club, Montpellier, but remains on standby for the team.
The Springbok squad includes players from various clubs: Thomas du Toit (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Zachary Porthen (DHL Stormers), Carlu Sadie (Bordeaux Begles), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Boan Venter (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Kubota Spears), Paul de Villiers (DHL Stormers), Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Siya Kolisi (DHL Stormers), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls), Herschel Jantjies (Bayonne), Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers), Morne van den Berg (Lions), Grant Williams (Kobe Steelers), Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Handre Pollard (Vodacom Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Mitsubishi Dynaboars), Aphelele Fassi (Toshiba), Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (DHL Stormers), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Edwill van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks), and Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).
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Source: planetrugby.com
