Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled his new-look squad for the upcoming test match against Portugal in Bloemfontein.
This match comes on the heels of a narrow 25-24 loss to Ireland in Durban, following a victorious opening test in Pretoria, resulting in a 1-1 series draw.
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The squad includes several players from the 2023 World Cup-winning team, alongside fresh talent. Unfortunately, Franco Mostert (lock) and Edwill van der Merwe (winger) are out due to injuries, with further details expected soon.
Centre Damian de Allende has also exited the camp for personal reasons. The 41-man squad features capped Springboks like Elrigh Louw and Ntuthuko Mchunu, as well as uncapped players such as Quan Horn, Andre-Hugo Venter, and Ruan Venter.
Erasmus emphasized the importance of exposing new players to international rugby to build squad depth for future competitions, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He noted that some players have already gained international experience in matches against Wales and Ireland. The team will finalize their on-field preparations by Wednesday, after which several players will be released.
The full squad for the match against Portugal is as follows:
Props: Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane, Thomas du Toit
Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Johan Grobbelaar, Andre-Hugo Venter
Locks: Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, RG Snyman
Loose Forwards: Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden, Phepsi Buthelezi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos, Ruan Venter, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese
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Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg
Flyhalves: Handre Pollard, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok
Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel
Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Aphelele Fassi, Quan Horn
The official matchday team will be announced on Tuesday.
