The Springboks have intensified their preparations as the 2024 Test season approaches.
The season will kick off with a Test match outside the international window, as the Springboks face Wales. The game, set for Wembley Stadium, marks their first match as back-to-back World Champions. Given its timing, players based in England, France, and Ireland will be unavailable. There were also concerns that Bulls and Stormers players might miss out due to potential clashes with a United Rugby Championship final on the same day.
Stormers’ Misfortune, Bulls’ Success
Unfortunately for the Stormers, they were knocked out by Glasgow Warriors, which means their players are now available for selection. However, the Bulls have reached the semifinals, keeping their players out of contention for now.
35-Man Training Squad Announced
On Saturday evening, Rassie Erasmus named a 35-man training squad for the Test match against Wales. This squad includes 11 potential Springbok debutants, such as Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku. Other uncapped players are Jordan Hendrikse, Quan Horn, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg (all of the Lions), Phepsi Buthelezi, Ethan Hooker (both of the Sharks), Ben-Jason Dixon, Sacha Feinberg-Mgomezulu, Neethling Fouche, and Andre-Hugo Venter (all of the Stormers).
Full 35-Man Springbok Training Squad for Wales Test
11 Uncapped Players Invited
Forwards:
- Phepsi Buthelezi (Sharks)
- Joseph Dweba, Ben-Jason Dixon (both Stormers)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz)
- Eben Etzebeth (Sharks)
- Neethling Fouche (Stormers)
- Vincent Koch (Sharks)
- Frans Malherbe (Stormers)
- Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears)
- Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks)
- Ntuthuko Mchunu (Sharks)
- Salmaan Moerat (Stormers)
- Franco Mostert (Honda Heat)
- Ox Nche (Sharks)
- Evan Roos (Stormers)
- Kwagga Smith (Blu Revs)
- Andre-Hugo Venter (Stormers)
- Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers)
Backs:
- Damian de Allende (Panasonic Wild Knights)
- Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles)
- Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins)
- Aphelele Fassi (Sharks)
- Jordan Hendrikse (Lions)
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers)
- Ethan Hooker (Sharks)
- Quan Horn (Lions)
- Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath)
- Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)
- Manie Libbok (Stormers)
- Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku (both Sharks)
- Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers)
- Morne van den Berg (Lions)
- Edwill van der Merwe (Lions)
- Grant Williams (Sharks)
Upcoming Clash on 22nd June
The Springboks and Wales are set to face off on the 22nd of June.
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