The Springboks have recalled World Cup winners Steven Kitshoff, Jaden Hendrikse, Andre Esterhuizen, Jasper Wiese and Canan Moodie, and one-Test lock Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg for the Rugby Championship Tests against New Zealand.
The trio of Kitshoff, Hendrikse and Moodie recently returned from injury and played in the Currie Cup for their respective provinces but will make a welcome return to the national side in the build-up to the two important Test matches.
Three RWC winners have been included in the #Springboks squad for the first time this year - more here: https://t.co/Eid4mB8FB3 💪#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/OVgSB6d4cb
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 20, 2024
Esterhuizen and Wiese both served suspensions for foul play and are free to be selected.
Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus decided to exclude scrumhalf Morne van den Berg and hooker Johan Grobbelaar from the home games in Johannesburg and Cape Town. They will be on standby alongside players in the extended Bok squad.
With Grobbelaar out, Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx are the only hookers selected with rookie front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels to double as hooker and prop cover.
Janse van Rensburg returns to the national fold for the first time in three years, after making his debut in 2021. The Boks have a mini injury crisis at lock and his inclusion in the 37-man squad will be welcomed.
“Nicolaas has had a good season with Montpellier and is a capped Springbok, so we are excited to welcome him back into the fold.” – Rassie Erasmus
Erasmus said No 5 lock RG Snyman, who suffered a foot injury in Australia and was the only player not to have played in the two matches, recovered and should be available for selection against the Kiwis.
“It’s good to have Steven, Jaden and Canan back from injury, along with Jasper and Andre. They are all Rugby World Cup winners who have delivered quality performances consistently against the top teams in the world, so they’ll bring experience and their unique skills to this squad.
“As a team, we are in a good position in terms of squad depth with 32 of the 33 players on tour playing against the Wallabies, and we have full faith in the young players to showcase their talent once again against a completely different opponent in New Zealand.
“Nicolaas has had a good season with Montpellier and is a capped Springbok, so we are excited to welcome him back into the fold.”
Another colossal performance by #Springboks stalwart Pieter-Steph du Toit in Perth💥#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/hRoxoPaOgA
Erasmus said that he expects the called-up players to slot in with ease.
The Boks will assemble in Johannesburg tomorrow to start preparation for the first Test after being given a few days off since arriving back in the country from Down Under where they won back-to-back clashes against the Wallabies for the first time in the professional era.
According to Erasmus, the All Blacks will bring a totally different challenge, but they are excited to play in front of their home fans.
“They are one of the best teams in the world and they tend to deliver top-drawer performances against us time and time again, so we have to be charged up physically and mentally for the challenge ahead.
“It’s good that we are facing them at home in front of our passionate supporters in sold-out stadiums, although they have a strong support base in Cape Town, so we are under no illusions about what lies ahead.
“That said, we must continue building on the momentum we gained in our first two games.”
Springbok squad for New Zealand Tests
Props: Thomas du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels; Hookers: Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi; Locks: Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortjé, RG Snyman, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg; Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese; Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams; Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard; Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel; Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie