The South African Rugby team has reinforced their ranks with multiple champions from the World Cup for their two home fixtures in the Rugby Championship against longstanding rivals, New Zealand. They have also granted Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, the lock, a comeback to enhance their choices in the second row.
Several players, including prop Steven Kitshoff, backrow Jasper Wiese, scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse, centre Andre Esterhuizen, and utility back Canan Moodie, have been welcomed back from injury or suspension to strengthen the team that celebrated consecutive victories in Australia this month.
Van Rensburg had his only prior Test against Argentina in 2021, but the Montpellier second row is being given the opportunity in the absence of Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager, and Jean Kleyn due to injuries.
Coach Rassie Erasmus expressed his satisfaction over having Steven, Jaden, and Canan back from injury, alongside Jasper and Andre, who faced suspensions. He highlighted that they’re all World Cup winners and have consistently shown top-notch performances against the world’s best teams. Therefore, they’re expected to contribute their experience and distinctive skills to the squad.
All these players, other than Nicolaas, participated in the training squad in Pretoria in July and the alignment camps in the starting months of the year. Since they have been part of the team in recent years, the coach believes they comprehend their systems and will effortlessly fit in.
Erasmus confirmed that lock RG Snyman, who was in the squad but couldn’t play in the Tests against Australia, would be fit for the first Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg on August 31st. The next match will be in Cape Town just a week later.
Erasmus chose to go with only two hookers, Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi, but prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels will provide backup. Erasmus further mentioned that Jan-Hendrik is a diverse player who enjoys playing as both prop and hooker, and they could potentially use flanker Marco van Staden in the middle of the front row if needs be.
In the latest Rugby Championship standings, The Springboks are at the top, leading by five points against New Zealand following their triumph over Australia, achieved with bonus points.
However, the Australian team faces a setback as centre player Hunter Paisami is deemed unfit for the impending Argentina tour, adding to the team’s troubles after consecutive defeats to South Africa. Paisami, who was taken off the field early during their 30-12 game against the Springboks in Perth due to what looked like a knee injury, has been excluded from the 35-man squad announced on Tuesday for the challenging two-Test match series against the Pumas. The series commences in La Plata on August 31st.
Paisami joins an expanding list of injured players, which includes winger Filipo Daugunu, and forwards Fraser McReight and Liam Wright. To fill in Paisami’s space in the squad, untested ACT Brumbies centre David Feliuai has been called up. Also rejoining the squad is hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa post his three-year term with Montpellier in France. Added to this season’s Wallabies squad for the first time is the lock, Josh Canham.
Despite the hurdles faced in recent weeks, coach Schmidt remains optimistic about pushing the largely unchanged squad to keep improving. He notes the considerable challenges posed by the skilled Pumas and the associated travel, requiring an upward shift in performance from his side.
Additionally, prop Tom Robertson will make a comeback, as will New South Wales Waratahs forward Langi Gleeson, who is now fit after an ankle injury kept him out of action.
In the South African rugby team, the forwards are led by Captain Siya Kolisi, with players including Thomas du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, and Jasper Wiese. The backs are Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, and Canan Moodie.
The Australian rugby squad consists of forwards Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Angus Blyth, Josh Canham, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Josh Nasser, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, and Harry Wilson. Their backs are Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Corey Toole, Nic White, and Tom Wright.
Credit: Thomson Reuters 2024