As the Rugby Championship intensifies, the Springboks are heading to New Zealand with a sense of purpose and determination.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has kept faith in the core group that performed admirably in the opening two matches against Australia, showing confidence in continuity as they prepare to take on the All Blacks in back-to-back Tests next month.
Squad Largely Unchanged with Few Injuries
Of the 38 players in last week’s squad, 36 have retained their places for the New Zealand tour.
Wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe remain sidelined due to injury, but Makazole Mapimpi, who joined the team in Cape Town last week, will make the trip.
Cobus Wiese, a utility forward from the previous squad, has been placed on standby.
The Springbok squad now consists of 20 forwards and 16 backs, ensuring a balance of experience and skill across all positions.
Notably, No 8 Jasper Wiese is still serving a suspension and will only be available for selection in the second Test in Wellington.
Players Ready and Motivated
Erasmus praised the players’ cohesion, saying, “This group has been working hard together since our first training camp in June.
Many have years of experience together, and the newer players proved in the Incoming Series and against Australia that they’re ready for this challenge.”
Key players, including captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Willie le Roux, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, have been medically cleared, while everyone who played against Australia is fully fit and ready for the All Blacks encounter.
The Challenge Ahead
Erasmus acknowledged the magnitude of facing New Zealand on their home turf.
“The Rugby Championship is still wide open, with all four teams having won a match in the first two rounds.
This tour is vital for us, and we’ll take confidence from our recent win against Australia,” he said.
He emphasized that historic records won’t dictate their approach.
“Australia defeated us at Ellis Park recently, and Argentina beat New Zealand last weekend.
We are focusing on the lessons from our first game against Australia to reach our standards and improve as the competition progresses.”
Under No Illusions About Tough Matches
The coach stressed the difficulty of facing the All Blacks in Auckland and Wellington.
“Every match against them is epic given the rivalry. Winning our last four matches against them since 2023 motivates both sides.
We need to build on what we’ve worked on this year and take another step forward before facing them.”
Erasmus noted that traveling to New Zealand ahead of the Tests will allow the team to acclimatize, ensuring they are fully prepared when they take the field.
Springbok Squad for Rugby Championship Tests Against New Zealand
Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese
Backs: Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse
