Springboks Rugby

Blockbuster: Springbok Famous Enforcer Ready to Return to Action Against All Black Test

The Springboks have received a timely injury boost as they prepare for back-to-back Tests against the All Blacks.

The Springboks’ hopes of claiming a famous Rugby Championship title will almost certainly hinge on whether they can successfully navigate the two blockbuster battles against the All Blacks over the next couple of weeks.

Rassie Erasmus’ charges are preparing for two sold out Tests against their archrivals at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (31 August) and the DHL Stadium in Cape Town a week later (7 September).

With locks Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager and Jean Kleyn still on the injured list, Erasmus is at least set to receive one major boost as RG Snyman is expected to be available for selection after missing the two most recent Tests against Australia.

“RG should be able to train with us this week again and, if that’s the case, he will be in contention for selection for the Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg,” said Erasmus.

“We are also excited to see what some of the young players can do in these two Tests if they get a run after making a strong impression on the coaches so far this season.

“Similarly to the coaches, they are fully aware that this will be a new challenge in intense matches between two of the biggest rivals in world rugby, but the experienced they gained by facing in Australia in two tough Test matches overseas – one of which was in extreme weather conditions – will set them in good stead going into this series.”

Springboks’ squad has been bolstered elsewhere

Erasmus opted to increase the Springbok squad from 33 players to 37, welcoming back Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf) and Canan Moodie (utility back) from injury, while also recalling Jasper Wiese (No 8) and Andre Esterhuizen (centre).

“New Zealand are ranked third in the world, and they always test us to the limit,” said Erasmus. “We also saw last week what they can do under pressure when they defeated Argentina 42-10 after going down in their first Test against the Pumas.

“We know these two tests will provide a completely different challenge to what we’ve faced against an Australian team that is still finding their feet with a new coach and a bunch of young players coming through the ranks.

“We are currently at the top of the Rugby Championship table, but one result can change that, so we realise the importance of giving everything in these matches to keep alive our hopes of winning the title for the first time since 2019.”

Squad for the Rugby Championship Tests against New Zealand:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (both Bulls).
Hookers
: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok (both 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 (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button