The Springboks have received a timely injury boost as they gear up for two consecutive Tests against the All Blacks in their pursuit of the Rugby Championship title. The outcome of these matches will likely be pivotal in determining whether the Springboks can secure the prestigious title.
Rassie Erasmus and his team are preparing for two highly anticipated and sold-out matches against their long-time rivals, the All Blacks, scheduled to take place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on August 31 and at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on September 7.
With key players like Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager, and Jean Kleyn still recovering from injuries, Erasmus is set to receive a significant boost with the return of RG Snyman. Snyman, who missed the last two Tests against Australia, is expected to be available for selection against New Zealand.
“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.
Erasmus also expressed his excitement about the potential of younger players in the squad, who have impressed the coaching staff this season. He noted that these two Tests will be a new challenge for them, but the experience gained from the tough matches against Australia, including one played in extreme weather conditions, will serve them well.
In addition to Snyman’s return, the Springboks’ squad has been further strengthened by the return of Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf), and Canan Moodie (utility back) from injury. The squad has also welcomed back Jasper Wiese (No 8) and Andre Esterhuizen (centre).
“New Zealand is ranked third in the world, and they always push us to the limit,” Erasmus remarked. “We saw last week what they can do under pressure when they defeated Argentina 42-10 after losing their first Test against the Pumas.
“We know these two Tests will present a completely different challenge compared to what we faced against an Australian team that is still finding its footing under a new coach with a lot of young players.”
Erasmus emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches, noting that while the Springboks are currently at the top of the Rugby Championship table, a single result could change that. He stressed the need to give everything in these matches to keep their hopes of winning the title for the first time since 2019 alive.
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).
