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Sunday, February 09, 2025

Kolisi to Lead Springboks for Rugby Championship

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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced a formidable 33-man squad for the upcoming Castle Lager Rugby Championship, led by double Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi. The tournament kicks off against the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday, 10 August.

Squad Highlights
Experienced Core: 22 of the 33 players are Rugby World Cup winners.
New Faces: Five debutants for 2024 – Jan-Hendrik Wessels (utility forward), Johan Grobbelaar (hooker), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (utility back), Ben-Jason Dixon (utility forward), and Morne van den Berg (scrumhalf).
Notable Return: Ruan Nortje, who debuted in 2022, rejoins the squad after injury sidelined several key players.
Injuries and Absentees
Key players like Jean Kleyn, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert (locks), Steven Kitshoff (prop), and scrumhalves Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, and Herschel Jantjies are unavailable due to injuries or suspension. Jasper Wiese is suspended, and Andre Esterhuizen awaits a disciplinary hearing.

Rassie Erasmus’s Perspective
Erasmus emphasized the blend of youth and experience in the squad: "We’ve included a few younger players who made a strong statement in the Tests so far this season. The injury to Franco Mostert opened the door for Ruan Nortje, who brings a different type of experience as the Vodacom Bulls captain."

He praised the younger talents, noting their impressive performances and readiness to step up against the formidable southern hemisphere teams: "We have full faith in the players to make another big step-up against Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina."

Upcoming Challenges
The Springboks will face:

Australia: Brisbane (10 August) and Perth (17 August).
New Zealand: Johannesburg (31 August) and Cape Town (7 September).
Argentina: Santiago (21 September) and Nelspruit (28 September).
Following the Rugby Championship, the Springboks will embark on their traditional northern hemisphere tour in November, facing Scotland, England, and Wales.

Preparations and Expectations
The squad will gather in Johannesburg for a preparation camp before departing for Australia on 31 July. Erasmus acknowledged the tough competition ahead: "We know the rivalry and quality of our opponents. But we’re excited to launch this new edition of the tournament and test ourselves against the southern hemisphere sides once again."

Stay tuned as the Springboks aim to showcase their strength and adaptability in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, bringing the excitement of world-class rugby to fans around the globe.

Springbok Squad for Castle Lager Rugby Championship (in alphabetical order):

Forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

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