A 45 player strong Springbok squad is set to be announced on the 05th of June ahead of the two tests scheduled against Georgia and the upcoming British and Irish Lions Tour. The squad will consist of players who will play in the tests as well as the South Africa “A” side that will face the Lions as well. Once the SA “A” game has been played, the squad will then be reduced to 37 players for the remaining tour series.
The two tests against Georgia will take place on Friday the 2nd and Friday the 9th of July, and fans are likely to see the Springboks strongest team feature in these Test’s as the push to reunite the squad takes preference over the need to give up and coming player’s opportunity. The two tests present the Springboks first test opportunity to gel as a squad in over 18 months, having not played since the 2 November 2019, Rugby World Cup Final.
Head Coach Jacques Nienaber and Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus noted that many of the familiar faces from the 2019 campaign will be returning to the squad and noted that some young talent had been identified for inclusion as well. When probed on the topic he wouldn’t give away who was up for consideration but remarked:
“I can mention a guy like Salmaan Moerat, who was doing really well and we were excited about that, but unfortunately is now touch and go whether he will be available due to injury. Similarly Notshe was just putting down a marker, but then got injured.”
The management team however expressed their satisfaction with the player’s individual preparation and noted the form of World Cup stars like Damian De Allende for Munster and Cheslin Kolbe winning the European Challenge Cup with Toulouse. The Springboks are in the fortunate position that many of their squad has been exposed to rugby across the globe and will arrive fit and ready to go.
For now, we wait for the much anticipated return of Springbok Rugby to our shores.