Five players who made their debuts in 2024 have fought their way into the Springbok squad for the Rugby Championship.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels utility forward, Johan Grobbelaar hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu utility back, Ben-Jason Dixon utility forward and Morne van den Berg scrumhalf have grabbed their opportunities. They will next week wing their way to Australia in preparation for the opening clash against the Wallabies in Brisbane on August 10.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named 22 Rugby World Cup-winners in his 33-man squad led by Siya Kolisi.
The only newcomer is lock Ruan Nortje, who made his Springbok debut against Wales in 2022 and represented the SA A side in November that year. All the other players featured in the teams opening four Tests of the season against Wales at Twickenham or during the Tests against Ireland and Portugal.
Among the players not considered for selection due to injury or rehab were Jean Kleyn, Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert all locks, Steven Kitshoff prop, Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Herschel Jantjies scrumhalves, Canan Moodie centre, Edwill van der Merwe wing and Damian Willemse utility back. No 8 Jasper Wiese is suspended, and centre Andr Esterhuizen awaits a disciplinary hearing after being sent off in the 64-21 win over Portugal on Saturday.
