The Springboks have named a 36-man squad for their upcoming two-Test tour of New Zealand. Captain Siya Kolisi has been cleared to make his return to action.
Kolisi, along with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Willie le Roux, missed last weekend’s 30-22 victory over Australia in Cape Town. He has now been passed fit to travel. Prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who has been sidelined recently, is also back in the mix. Jean-Luc du Preez rejoins the team after recovering from illness.
Wiese to Return in Second Test
Jasper Wiese, who has been unavailable in the Rugby Championship due to suspension, will tour with the squad. However, he will only be eligible to play in the second Test against the All Blacks in Wellington on 13 September.
Erasmus Confident in Squad Depth
Head coach Rassie Erasmus expressed confidence in the group’s readiness:
“This group of players have been working hard together since our first camp in June. The experienced core has been together for years, while the newer guys have shown in recent Tests that they can handle the pressure. Siya, Pieter-Steph, Willie, and Jan-Hendrik have all been medically cleared, and everyone who played against Australia is fit and ready.”
Tour Schedule and Kick-Off Times
The Boks’ first Test in New Zealand will be in Auckland next Saturday, with kickoff at 9:05am (SA time). They will then face the All Blacks again a week later in Wellington. The squad gathers in Johannesburg on Tuesday before flying out later that day.
Unfortunately, injuries have ruled out wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe. Their absence ensures that Makazole Mapimpi, who was called in as cover last week, retains his place in the squad.
Erasmus added that the team would have enough time to adjust to the time zone before the opener:
“We will be settled and ready for the task ahead by the time we take the field.”
The Boks currently sit back in Rugby Championship contention after their Cape Town win. They bounced back from a disappointing 38-22 defeat to Australia at Ellis Park in the tournament opener.
Springbok Squad for New Zealand Tour
Forwards
Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (capt), Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese
Backs
Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse
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