Springboks Team Announcement Breakdown
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Springboks Team Announcement Breakdown
Edwill van der Merwe (wing) and Jordan Hendrikse (flyhalf) are the two uncapped players named in run-on team – which features a good balance of youth and experience – while Ben-Jason Dixon (lock) and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (utility back) are the two new faces on the replacements bench. A total of 10 players in the matchday squad featured in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, while 16 players were members of the Rugby World Cup squad. Erasmus welcomed back experienced hooker Malcolm Marx, who last ran out for the team in their opening World Cup encounter against Scotland before suffering a knee injury at training which ruled him out of further tournament action. www.sarugby.co.za
Vincent Koch, will write his name deeper into Springbok history on Saturday when South Africa takes on Wales at Twickenham. This marks the Boks’ first international since their triumphant Rugby World Cup victory in France last year. Coach Rassie Erasmus has named a thrilling squad led by flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, featuring a quartet of exciting newcomers hungry to make their mark on the international stage.
Matchday Squad:
- A mix of experienced players (10 from the 2023 RWC final, 16 from the RWC squad) and new faces (2 uncapped players: Edwill van der Merwe and Jordan Hendrikse).
- Welcome back for Malcolm Marx (hooker) after injury.
- 5 players starting in the same positions as the 2023 RWC final win.
- 5-3 forwards-backs split on the bench, including 4 RWC winners.
Traveling Squad:
- 30 players total, including those not in the matchday squad.
- Several players will gain experience despite not playing (Libbok, Snyman, Fouche, Buthelezi, Hooker, Horn, Venter).
- Snyman to join the squad after Munster’s season ends.
Coach’s Take (Erasmus):
- Excited about the new players and their potential.
- Experienced players will guide the newcomers.
- Looking forward to seeing players back in the team (Fassi, Roos, Mchunu, Moerat).
- Travelling squad benefits from exposure to the Test environment.
- Du Toit appointed captain (deserved and personal redemption after 2018 Wales loss).
Overall:
This selection focuses on a balance of experience and fresh talent while preparing for the 2024 season and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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