Springboks news: Rassie Erasmus names 51-man squad featuring 21 uncapped players
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has named a 51-man squad featuring 21 uncapped players for the opening matches of the international season against the Barbarians and a South Africa 'A' side against Zimbabwe on Saturday, June 20.
The group combines several double Rugby World Cup winners with a host of emerging talents, with Erasmus selecting a number of junior players while the Vodacom Bulls remain unavailable due to their participation in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship final against Leinster.
Among the notable inclusions are SA U20 players Yaqeen Ahmed, Danie Kruger, Luan Giliomee, Vusi Moyo, Oliver Reid and Liam van Wyk, as well as Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton.
Youth receives opportunity
The squad features a strong contingent of young prospects who have impressed at age-group level and in domestic rugby.
Norton, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Markus Muller and Zekhethelo Siyaya were all part of the expanded Springbok alignment camp squad, while several other uncapped players have been rewarded for their performances at franchise level.
The remaining uncapped players in the group are Paul de Villiers, Bathobele Hlekani, Hanro Jacobs, Jurenzo Julius, Imad Khan, JJ Kotze, Sibabalwa Mahashe, Haashim Pead, Nico Steyn, Emmanuel Tshituka and Jaco Williams.
With a number of experienced campaigners unavailable due to club commitments and the Bulls' involvement in the URC final, the squad presents an opportunity for Erasmus and his coaching staff to assess the next generation of Springbok talent.
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World Cup winners provide experience
While the uncapped contingent has attracted attention, the squad still contains a strong core of experienced internationals.
Among the established names selected are Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel and Lood de Jager.
Erasmus will also welcome a number of overseas-based players into camp, although some UK-based squad members will only become available once their club seasons come to an end.
Focus shifts to Nations Championship squad
The opening fixtures will provide Erasmus with an opportunity to assess combinations and personnel ahead of a busy international schedule.
Attention will then turn to the Springboks' Nations Championship campaign, with Erasmus set to confirm his squad on Sunday, June 21 after the conclusion of the Vodacom URC for the opening games against England on July 4, Scotland on July 11 and Wales on July 18.
Springbok squad (alphabetical order)
Forwards: Lood de Jager, Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouche, Bathobele Hlekani, Hanro Jacobs, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, JJ Kotze, Danie Kruger, Sibabalwa Mahashe, Malcolm Marx, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Oliver Reid, Evan Roos, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Liam van Wyk, Andre-Hugo Venter, Boan Venter, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Yaqeen Ahmed, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Luan Giliomee, Quan Horn, Jurenzo Julius, Imad Khan, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Vusi Moyo, Markus Muller, Haashim Pead, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Nico Steyn, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams and Jaco Williams.
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