Coach Rassie Erasmus has named a strong but experimental squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship, with five new faces earning their first call-up to the green and gold.
The Springboks have named a 34-man squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship, with head coach Rassie Erasmus opting for a blend of experience and fresh talent as South Africa looks to defend its world champion status on home soil.
Five uncapped players have earned their first call-ups: flank Sipho Ndlovu of the Lions, scrumhalf Keegan Petersen of the Stormers, lock Andile Zulu of the Bulls, wing Luyanda Mkhize of the Sharks, and utility back Ruan Botha of the Lions. Their inclusion signals a deliberate long-term strategy from Erasmus.
Erasmus on the New Faces
“These players have earned their place through consistent Super Rugby performance. We don’t hand out Springbok jerseys — they have to be won.” — Rassie Erasmus, Springboks Head Coach
The experienced core of the squad remains intact, with Siya Kolisi retaining the captaincy and veterans like Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lukhanyo Am, and Faf de Klerk all included. The squad will gather in Johannesburg next week for a two-week training camp before the first Rugby Championship match against Argentina in Pretoria.
Fixtures to Watch
South Africa opens the Rugby Championship at home against Argentina on 4 July, before facing New Zealand in a blockbuster clash in Johannesburg on 18 July. The All Blacks, who narrowly lost the World Cup final to the Boks last year, are expected to be the sternest test of the campaign.
Tickets for both home matches sold out within hours of going on sale, with secondary market prices for the New Zealand test reaching R8,000 for premium seats — a reflection of the extraordinary appetite for live Springbok rugby.