Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced his squad for the end-of-year European tour, with several veteran players left out, signalling possible changes ahead.
Erasmus, known for his strategic player rotation, has structured the tour to alternate between strong line-ups and experimental sides. The Springboks will open their campaign against Japan at Wembley Stadium on November 1 before facing France at the Stade de France on November 8. They will then meet Italy in Turin on November 15, Ireland in Dublin on November 22, and conclude against Wales in Cardiff on November 29.
The squad that secured the Rugby Championship title with consecutive victories over Argentina is expected to feature in the key fixtures against France and Ireland. Returning from injury are wing Kurt-Lee Arendse and loosehead prop Gerhard Steenekamp. Loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon, hooker Johan Grobbelaar, and lock Jean Kleyn have also been recalled.
However, several senior players — including Bongi Mbonambi, Willie le Roux, Faf de Klerk, Vincent Koch, Lukhanyo Am, and Makazole Mapimpi — have been omitted from the main squad. Mbonambi, Am, and Mapimpi are among ten players placed on standby in case of injuries.
Handre Pollard’s tactical kicking is expected to play a crucial role, particularly in northern hemisphere conditions. Erasmus could include Pollard alongside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, and Manie Libbok due to their versatility.
In the forwards, the search continues for a reliable No. 8. Jasper Wiese remains the main option, with Evan Roos and uncapped Juarno Augustus among the standby players. Stormers flanker Dixon could also cover the position, while Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, and Pieter-Steph du Toit are possible alternatives.
The only uncapped player in the squad is 21-year-old tighthead prop Zachary Porthen of the Stormers, a former Junior Springboks captain. His selection comes at the expense of 35-year-old Vincent Koch, suggesting a generational shift.
Among the standby tightheads are Neethling Fouche, who is recovering from a broken arm, and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, awaiting a doping hearing in December. Surprisingly, no scrumhalf has been included on the standby list. Erasmus may be waiting to assess Jaden Hendrikse’s form after a difficult season with the Sharks.
Hooker Marnus van der Merwe has been dropped in favour of Grobbelaar, who earns his recall after strong performances for the Bulls.
Springbok Squad
Forwards:
Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Jean Kleyn, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Zachary Porthen, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese
Backs:
Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams
Players on Standby
Forwards:
Juarno Augustus, Neethling Fouche, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Vincent Tshituka
Backs:
Lukhanyo Am, Sebastian De Klerk, Makazole Mapimpi
