The Springboks squad to take on Ireland will look very different to the current squad with the Bulls, European and UK-based players now available.
The Springboks 35-man squad is set to undergo massive changes.
Firstly, NINE Springboks are set to be added to the squad for the blockbuster test series against Ireland. Ultimately, the European and UK-based players are now available for selection. Additionally, the Bulls Boks are set to return. Meanwhile, a couple of new faces could be called up from Jake Whites squad.
SPRINGBOKS TO DROP SEVERAL PLAYERS
The return of top Springboks will inevitably result in several players being dropped.
So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at the full list of current squad members likely to be dropped from Rassie Erasmus’ Bok squad.
- Ntuthuko Mchuno
- Joseph Dweba
- Salmaan Moerat
- Ben-Jason Dixon
- Andre-Hugo Venter
- Celimpilo Gumede
- Phepsi Buthelezi
- Morne van der Berg
- Ethan Hooker
- Quan Horn
Ultimately, these are the TEN players set to make way for the returning Springboks. However, this will depend on two key factors – injuries and the squad number/limit. Currently, several top Springboks are injured. Additionally, Rassie has hinted at a 35 man or 40 man squad.
“We will announce the squad for the Irish series on Sunday night or Monday morning. It will be a 35 to 40 man squad, but we might call in (more) guys here and there, depending on how the Irish series goes, who we will give a chance against Portugal,” Erasmus stated on The Citizen.
Meaning, the latter will see less players dropped, whereas, a 35-man squad will result in most of the expected changes mentioned. Additionally, several Bulls players are knocking on the Springboks selection door.
Essentially, some of the above players will remain in the squad for to gain experience and exposure but they will eventually be dropped. Currently, several players will stay in the squad so they can earn a rare start against Portugal when the Springbok-Ireland series commences.
Thereafter, the aforementioned players are expected to be dropped when Rassie names his squad for the Rugby Championship. Furthermore, as the injured stars return, more changes will be made to the squad.
SOUTH AFRICA’S 35-MAN TRAINING SQUAD:
Forwards: Phepsi Buthelezi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Joseph Dweba, Ben-Jason Dixon (both DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Celimpilo Gumede (Vodacom Bulls), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Blu Revs), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Backs: Damian de Allende (Panasonic Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Hendrikse (Emirates Lions), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Emirates Lions), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
