South Africa Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced the inclusion of three Rugby World Cup winners in the national squad for the first time this year as South Africa prepares to face New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
The squad sees the return of Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf), and Canan Moodie (utility back) from injury, bolstering the team for the two highly anticipated Tests against their archrivals.
Erasmus has also recalled Jasper Wiese (No 8) and Andre Esterhuizen (centre), both 2023 Rugby World Cup winners, along with lock Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg.
The squad will assemble in Johannesburg on Thursday, expanding from 33 to 37 players for the sold-out Tests at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on August 31 and the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on September 7.
The return of Janse van Rensburg is particularly notable as the 29-year-old lock, who earned his only Test cap in 2021 against Argentina, has been called back to the squad amidst ongoing injuries to key players Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager, and Jean Kleyn.
“We’re up against a formidable New Zealand side, ranked third in the world, and these matches will be a completely different challenge compared to what we faced in Australia,” said Erasmus.
“It’s great to have Steven, Jaden, and Canan back from injury, along with Jasper and Andre. These are players who have delivered consistently at the highest level, and their experience will be invaluable.”
Kitshoff (knee), Hendrikse (shoulder), and Moodie (finger) have all fully recovered, having returned to action in the Carling Currie Cup. Wiese and Esterhuizen, who had been sidelined due to suspensions, are also back in contention.
The Springboks are coming off a historic tour in Australasia, where they secured back-to-back victories against the Wallabies for the first time since 1998.
The squad retained 31 of the 33 players who traveled to Australia, with only RG Snyman, who suffered a foot injury, missing out. However, Erasmus confirmed that Snyman is expected to be fit in time for the first Test against the All Blacks.
“RG should be able to train with us this week, and if that’s the case, he will be in contention for selection,” Erasmus noted. He also expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, highlighting the versatility of players like Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who can cover both prop and hooker positions.
Looking ahead to the New Zealand Tests, Erasmus emphasized the physical and mental preparation required to face one of the world’s best teams.
“They tend to deliver top-drawer performances against us time and time again, so we have to be at our best. It’s crucial to build on the momentum we’ve gained from our first two games.”
The Springboks are currently leading the Castle Lager Rugby Championship standings but are well aware of the slim margins that could change the course of the tournament.
Following the Tests against New Zealand, South Africa will conclude their campaign with a match against Argentina in Santiago on September 21, before returning home to face Los Pumas in Nelspruit on September 28.
The next few weeks promise to be a stern test for Erasmus’ men, but with the return of key players and the unwavering support of their home crowd, the Springboks are determined to maintain their top spot and secure their first Championship title since 2019.
Springbok squad for the New Zealand leg of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship:
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).
Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).
Source: SA Rugby
