Rassie Erasmus (David Rogers/Getty Images)
- Rassie Erasmus has added five new players to the Springbok squad for the final Test against Portugal, bringing the total to seven uncapped players.
- Injuries and personal leave prompted changes, with Franco Mostert, Edwill van der Merwe out, and Damian de Allende on leave.
- New additions are Elrigh Louw, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Quan Horn, Andre-Hugo Venter, and Ruan Venter.
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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced the inclusion of five new players for their final Test of the Castle Lager Incoming Series against Portugal, which will be held in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
The 41-man squad now features seven uncapped players, as the team prepares for this crucial match.
Injuries have forced changes in the squad, with Franco Mostert (lock) and Edwill van der Merwe (winger) sidelined.
The extent of their injuries will be confirmed on Monday.
Additionally, centre Damian de Allende has been granted leave from the camp due to personal reasons.
The new additions to the squad are Elrigh Louw (loose forward) and Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop), who are both capped Springboks, along with uncapped players Quan Horn (fullback), Andre-Hugo Venter (hooker), and Ruan Venter (loose forward).
These players participated in the Bok alignment camps in May and join a group that includes eight of the nine players who were recently released to play in the Carling Currie Cup.
Springbok squad for the match against Portugal:
Props: Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (uncapped) (both Vodacom Bulls), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Thomas du Toit (Bath).
Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Johan Grobbelaar (uncapped) (Vodacom Bulls), Andre-Hugo Venter (uncapped) (DHL Stormers).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), RG Snyman (Leinster).Loose forwards: Siya Kolisi (Racing 92), Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden (both Vodacom Bulls), Phepsi Buthelezi (uncapped)(Hollywoodbets Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos (both DHL Stormers), Ruan Venter (uncapped) (Emirates Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg (uncapped) (Emirates Lions).
Flyhalves: Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok (both DHL Stormers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (uncapped) (Emirates Lions).
Erasmus indicated that several players will be released on Wednesday after the team completes their main on-field preparations for the historic Test against Portugal at Toyota Stadium.
The Springboks arrived in Bloemfontein on Sunday and will start their preparations on Monday, aiming to recover from their narrow 25-24 defeat to Ireland in Durban.
“Our plan has always been to expose more players to top-level international rugby, which is essential for building squad depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup,” said Erasmus.
He highlighted that some players have already gained experience in matches against Wales and Ireland, and that Andre-Hugo Venter was part of the tour to London.
Erasmus expressed confidence in the quality of the new players joining the squad.
“Portugal showed their strength by defeating Fiji in the last Rugby World Cup, and we know they will be a tough opponent.
“We are mixing things up for this Test, but we will select a team we believe can get our season back on track,” Erasmus added.
Erasmus emphasized the importance of managing player workloads, stating that those who are released will still contribute to the preparations for the Portugal match.
“This season is long and challenging. As much as we wanted to win both matches against Ireland, it’s crucial to manage the players well to ensure they perform at their best throughout the season,” Erasmus said.
He added that the released players will have a 10-day break, allowing them to return refreshed for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Erasmus will announce the matchday team to face Portugal on Tuesday.
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