Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled the national squad for the upcoming Castle Lager Rugby Championship Tests against New Zealand, featuring the return of three Rugby World Cup winners. Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf), and Canan Moodie (utility back) have all recovered from injuries and are set to rejoin the team for the first time this year.

Erasmus has also recalled several other key players, including Jasper Wiese (No. 8) and Andre Esterhuizen (centre), both part of the victorious 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, along with lock Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg. The squad, expanded from 33 to 37 players, will gather in Johannesburg on Thursday to prepare for the highly anticipated matches against their archrivals, New Zealand. These matches, scheduled for 31 August at Emirates Airline Park and 7 September at DHL Stadium, are already sold out.

With locks Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager, and Jean Kleyn still sidelined due to injury, Janse van Rensburg has earned his first national call-up since his debut against Argentina in 2021. The current squad includes 31 of the 33 players who recently toured Australia, where they made history by securing maximum points in back-to-back victories over the Wallabies—a first for the Springboks since 1998.

Despite the return of Hendrikse and the versatility of Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who can play both prop and hooker, Erasmus has chosen to exclude Morne van den Berg and Johan Grobbelaar from the squad for these Tests. However, they, along with other members of the initial 45-man group, remain on standby in case of injuries.

Kitshoff (knee), Hendrikse (shoulder), and Moodie (finger) have all fully recovered, having featured in recent Carling Currie Cup matches. Wiese and Esterhuizen also return to contention following their respective suspensions.

Unfortunately, several players remain unavailable due to injury, including Evan Roos (No. 8) and scrumhalves Herschel Jantjies and Faf de Klerk.

"New Zealand, currently ranked third in the world, always pushes us to our limits," Erasmus remarked. "Their recent 42-10 victory over Argentina after losing the first Test shows their resilience. These upcoming matches will be a different challenge compared to what we faced against Australia, a team still finding its footing with a new coach and emerging talent."

Erasmus expressed his satisfaction with the return of Kitshoff, Hendrikse, Moodie, Wiese, and Esterhuizen, all of whom bring valuable experience and unique skillsets to the squad. "We’re in a good position with squad depth, having 32 of the 33 players on tour play against the Wallabies," he added. "We have full confidence in our young players to rise to the occasion against New Zealand."

The coach also highlighted Janse van Rensburg’s strong season with Montpellier and his excitement about welcoming him back into the squad. On a positive note, Erasmus confirmed that RG Snyman, recovering from a foot injury, should be available for selection for the first Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg.

Reflecting on the selection strategy, Erasmus noted that Wessels’s versatility as both a prop and hooker, combined with Marco van Staden’s ability to cover the front row, allowed the team to forego selecting an additional hooker. "We have a comprehensive list of standby players ready to step in if needed," he assured.

Looking ahead to the Tests against New Zealand, Erasmus emphasized the importance of being mentally and physically prepared for the challenge. "Facing one of the world’s best teams at home, in front of our passionate supporters, is both a privilege and a significant test. It’s crucial that we build on the momentum from our previous matches to keep our hopes of winning the Championship alive."

The Springboks returned to South Africa in two groups earlier this week and will conclude the Castle Lager Rugby Championship with a tour to Argentina, facing Los Pumas in Santiago on 21 September, followed by a match in Nelspruit on 28 September.

Springbok Squad for the New Zealand Tests:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).

Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).

Loose Forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).

Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]