Seasoned Boks return as Rassie names large player group ahead of Pumas, All Blacks Tests
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a 43-man squad for upcoming Tests against Argentina and New Zealand. The group includes several returning veterans recovering from injuries, with the squad split to manage player fitness and development.
Why it matters
Squad management and player health are critical for national teams competing in high-stakes international rugby tournaments.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a 43-man squad to gather in Johannesburg on Sunday as they begin their preparations for the Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires and the subsequent Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) series against the All Blacks.
Erasmus recalled 10 seasons campaigners who make a welcome return from injury, namely Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager (locks), Franco Mostert (utility forward), Siya Kolisi (loose forward), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Handre Pollard (both flyhalves), Ethan Hooker, Canan Moodie (utility backs), Andre Esterhuizen (flanker and centre) and Morne van den Berg (scrumhalf).
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Erasmus also released five players who will represent their franchises in tour games against New Zealand. They are Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop), Evan Roos (No 8), Andre-Hugo Venter (hooker), Embrose Papier (scrumhalf) and Jaco Williams (wing).
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