Springboks announce 43-man squad for All Blacks series and Argentina Test
Rassie Erasmus has named a 43-man Springboks squad for the upcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series against the All Blacks and a Test match against Argentina. The squad will gather in Johannesburg to prepare for the clash in Buenos Aires, scheduled for August 8.
The selection includes the return of 10 experienced internationals who were previously sidelined due to injury. Among these returning players are Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Other notable returnees include Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Morne van den Berg, Handre Pollard, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, and Canan Moodie.
Squad Management and Player Releases
Erasmus has opted for a strategic approach, dividing the squad into two groups. One group will travel to Argentina, while the other will remain in South Africa to train and prepare for the All Blacks Tests. This strategy aims to provide opportunities for all players to stake a claim for positions in the squad for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series.
Five players have been released from the squad to play for their respective franchises in midweek matches against the All Blacks. These players are Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop), Evan Roos (No.8), Andre-Hugo Venter (hooker), Embrose Papier (scrum-half), and Jaco Williams (wing).
Ruben van Heerden, a lock who debuted against Wales, has been omitted from the two main groups but remains on standby. He recently moved from the DHL Stormers to Montpellier.
Key Returns and Emerging Talent
The return of players like Etzebeth, de Jager, and Mostert significantly bolsters the team’s second-row depth. These three players collectively bring 298 international caps worth of experience. Etzebeth-De Jager and Etzebeth-Mostert have previously formed second and third most-capped lock combinations for the Springboks, playing together on 42 and 32 occasions respectively.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who spent much of last year in the number 10 jersey and performed well against Los Pumas in Durban, is set to return. His injury, sustained during the Stormers’ season, was not as severe as initially thought, making him available for the All Blacks Tests and potentially the match against Los Pumas in Buenos Aires.
Among the emerging talents, Vusi Moyo, a 20-year-old pivot, retains his place in the squad despite having limited professional experience. His inclusion is seen as an investment in his long-term potential. Paul de Villiers also impressed in the absence of Kolisi, performing well in the number six jersey against England, Scotland, and Wales.
Vincent Tshituka and Elrigh Louw, both versatile loose forwards, have also earned their spots. Tshituka’s ability to play in both the back and second rows is valued by the coaching staff. Louw, who missed last year due to injury, has shown strong form upon his return, particularly against Scotland.
Hooker Johan Grobbelaar continues to feature in the squad, having made his Test debut in 2024. Carlu Sadie, who made his full Test debut against Wales, is also included, providing depth in a well-stocked position for the Springboks.
The Springboks will face the All Blacks in four Tests: August 22 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, August 29 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, September 5 at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, and September 12 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA.
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Source: planetrugby.com
