The Springboks named a powerful squad to take on Ireland in a two test series next month, bringing back a number of top World Cup winners based overseas while keeping a number of local based players who have impressed.
With the Vodacom Bulls players now available, hookers Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels will join the squad, as will World Cup winner Marco van Staden and prop Gerhard Steenekamp, the latter who was with the Boks and made his debut against Argentina last year.
Siya Kolisi also returns to the squad with the questionmark still over whether he will lead the side into battle after Rassie Erasmus indicated he would prefer a locally based captain. The 39-man squad features 22 forwards and 17 backline players, with Erasmus set to name the captain for the competition closer to the Ireland test.
Erasmus welcomed the uncapped players to the initial squad of 39 – Grobbelaar and Wessels, as well as those in the standby squad – and he hoped they would grab the opportunity with both hands. “We also saw what the uncapped players in the travelling squad for the Wales test have to offer and we have no doubt that if they receive an opportunity to run out in the green and gold this season, they will give their best and wear the badge with pride.”
Edwill van der Merwe and Ben-Jason Dixon, both who made their debuts on Saturday against Wales, have retained their places in the squad.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Springboks: Full list of Bulls players likely to be added to BoksThe Springboks side will look very different in a few weeks time when the Bulls players become available. These players have played themselves into contention.
Read more »
Springboks: Full list of Bulls players likely to be added to BoksThe Springboks side will look very different in a few weeks time when the Bulls players become available. These players have played themselves into contention.
Read more »
Several World Cup winners return as Springboks name 39-man squad for Ireland seriesSeveral World Cup winners return as Springboks name 39-man squad for Ireland series
Read more »
Travel woes delay Springboks’ squad announcement for Ireland seriesThe Springboks' squad announcement has been pushed back due to their flight from London to Johannesburg being cancelled.
Read more »
Springboks set to name squad for Ireland after positive Welsh outingThe Springboks will be naming their squad for the incoming series against Ireland and Portugal on Sunday night or Monday morning.
Read more »
Rassie glad of Boks' 'beneficial' win over Wales as Ireland loomRassie glad of Boks' 'beneficial' win over Wales as Ireland loom
Read more »