The Springboks face Scotland, England and Wales in November.
Rassie Erasmus, coach of the reigning two-time world champions Springboks, has revealed his squad for the autumn tour of Europe. RG Snyman and Franco Mostert, the experienced second rows, have been retained in the South Africa team for the autumn test matches. Fullback Damian Willemse will make his first appearance this year, with all three players returning from injury. Center Andre Esterhuizen also returns for matches against Scotland at Murrayfield (November 10), England at Twickenham (November 16) and Wales at Principality Stadium (November 23).
Willemse, who has played as a fly-half for the Stormers in recent weeks but can also play fullback or centre, is returning from a finger injury after missing the Springboks’ final 10 matches in 2024. Snyman, Mostert and Willemse are two-time World Cup winners, while Esterhuizen was part of the team that lifted the trophy in France last year, and they add to the squad that won the Rugby Championship title this season.
Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok are the other two possible openers, with Sacha Feinberg-Mgomezulu out due to a knee problem.
Second-rows Salmaan Moerat (knee) and Lood de Jager (shoulder), scrum-half Faf de Klerk (thigh) and prop Steven Kitshoff were not retained due to injuries. “There is no doubt that there are several unlucky players who could have easily made the traveling squad, but unfortunately we can only select 34 players”declared coach Rassie Erasmus.
“Damian, Andre and RG all returned to competition at the United Rugby Championship and stood out with their performances. We all know that Franco is a workaholic and brings great quality to the team”adds the South African coach, who has widened his selection this year since he has used 49 players in 10 matches.
The Springboks group:
Pillar: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp
Hooker: Malcolm Marx, Bongi Witness.
Second line: Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman
Third line: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese, Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Scrum half: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams
Flying half: Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard
Centre : Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel
Rear triangle: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse.
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