Notably, RG Snyman has been welcomed back into the Springboks team for their approaching November tour following his commendable performance in his recent trio of matches for Leinster. His successful return to top form after recuperating from an injury is no surprise to many.
Rassie Erasmus, deciding to bring back four Rugby World Cup victors to the Springboks fold, includes Snyman. The other returnees, having missed varying portions of the Rugby Championship-winning venture due to injuries, are Damian Willemse (flexible back), Andre Esterhuizen (centre) and Franco Mostert (lock).
On Tuesday, Erasmus announced a roster of 34 players for their circuit in the UK which consists of games against Scotland in Edinburgh (Sunday, November 10th), England in London (Saturday, November 16th), and Wales in Cardiff (Saturday, November 23rd).
Esterhuizen is making a comeback after a shoulder malady, while Snyman is back after a foot ailment. Mostert is making his return post leg fracture, and Willemse, who has missed all of the Springboks’ tests in 2024 due to a finger mishap, is also making a comeback.
Lead by two-time World Cup champion Siya Kolisi, the squad is settling into a week-long training stage in Jersey, following which they will move to Edinburgh.
Several players have been ruled unfit for selection due to injuries, notably outhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Salmaan Moerat (both suffering knee issues), Steven Kitschoff (neck) and Lood de Jager (shoulder).
Throughout 2024, the field has seen 49 players represent the Boks, while 35 have participated in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
Unquestionably, there are players who, given favourable circumstances, could have found a place in the touring team, but the limitation was to choose only 34, as Erasmus remarked. However, he added, this lineup offers a fruitful blend of both budding talent and seasoned veterans, with many having made noteworthy contributions in the Springbok jersey this year.
He expressed pleasure at having RG, Franco, Andre and Damian return following their recoveries, and voiced eagerness to watch their on-field impact after their unfortunate absence from the Rugby Championship.
Damian, Andre, and RG made a convincing return in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, while Franco continued to exhibit his well-known work ethic and ability to enrich the team. The three teams they will be competing against – Scotland, England, and Wales – are all ranked amongst the top 11 in the world, showcasing a high level of competition they’ll need to tackle.
The northern hemisphere teams pose a distinctive challenge than their recent encounters with Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia. Coach Erasmus articulated that the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour typically tests the team’s limits as it signals the cessation of their international season and kickstarts the competitors’ season. The November internationals are crucial – not just because they’re up against some of the world’s top-ranking teams, but also due to their style of rugby that differs from the games played in the Rugby Championship.
Unfamiliar weather conditions in the northern hemisphere provide a renewed challenge, but the team is keen to take on the tour. They are poised to enhance their rewarding season further. Despite only losing two matches by a single point in the current season, Erasmus remains cautiously optimistic about finishing the year positively, underlining the need for concerted effort.
The opposing teams’ quality, as well as the home ground advantage and local support, will make the matches tough. But fortunately, the team has self-belief, which will be instrumental in these games. By winning the Rugby Championship, the team gained confidence, but they realise it’s in the past now. The victory will serve as further motivation for the opposing teams to make a strong impression.
Springbok’s squad promises strength in the prop positions, with players like Thomas du Toit from Bath, Hollywoodbets Sharks’ Vincent Koch and Ox Nche, Frans Malherbe from DHL Stormers, and Gerhard Steenekamp from Vodacom Bulls.
The players’ roster are divided into their respective positions as follows –
For the role of hookers, Malcolm Marx from Kubota Spears and Bongi Mbonambi from Hollywoodbets Sharks have been enlisted. Within the locks, the line-up includes Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert from Hollywoodbets Sharks and Honda Heat respectively, along with Ruan Nortje from Vodacom Bulls and RG Snyman from Leinster.
Moving to the loose forwards, players like Pieter-Steph du Toit from Toyota Verblitz, Hollywoodbets Sharks’ Siya Kolisi, who is the team captain, along with Elrigh Louw and Kwagga Smith from Vodacom Bulls and Shizuoka Blue Revs, respectively have been selected. Other notable names in this category are Marco van Staden from Vodacom Bulls and Jasper Wiese from Urayasu D-Rocks.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels from Vodacom Bulls has been chosen as the utility forward. As for the scrumhalves, the selected players are Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams from Hollywoodbets Sharks along with Cobus Reinach from Montpellier. Outhalves includes Manie Libbok from DHL Stormers and Handre Pollard from Leicester Tigers.
The centre positions will be filled by Lukhanyo Am and Andre Esterhuizen from Hollywoodbets Sharks, along with Damian de Allende from Wild Knights and Jesse Kriel from Canon Eagles. The outside backs will feature players like Kurt-Lee Arendse and Willie le Roux from Vodacom Bulls, along with Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe from Hollywoodbets Sharks and Suntory Sungoliath respectively. Makazole Mapimpi from Hollywoodbets Sharks, Canan Moodie from Vodacom Bulls, and Damian Willemse from DHL Stormers, are also a part of the team.
The team will play against Scotland on Sunday, 10th November at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. The following matches will be against England on Saturday, 16th November at Twickenham, London and then against Wales on Saturday, 23rd November at Principality Stadium, Cardiff.