Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced a 36-man squad for South Africa’s upcoming tour to New Zealand, with captain Siya Kolisi included after overcoming a knee niggle.
Kolisi was initially thought to be sidelined but has been declared fit and will travel with the squad. Jasper Wiese is also named, though he will miss the first Test at Eden Park through suspension. He is expected to feature in the second Test in Wellington.
Jean-Luc du Preez returns to the squad, while Joseph Dweba and Ntuthuko Mchunu are omitted. Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe miss out through injury.
Erasmus said the Rugby Championship remains wide open, with all four teams having won a match in the opening two rounds. “Facing the All Blacks in New Zealand is a massive challenge,” he said. “We will take confidence from our win against Australia, but we know every game in this competition is tough.”
The Springboks have won their last four matches against New Zealand, a rare feat in the history of the rivalry. Erasmus stressed, however, that past records will count for little. “We can’t look at previous years. The here and now is that we know we can beat this team, but they are always dangerous,” he said.
South Africa will travel to New Zealand on Tuesday to acclimatise ahead of the first Test.
Forwards named include: Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese, Jean-Luc du Preez, Siya Kolisi and Kwagga Smith.
Backline options include: Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, André Esterhuizen, Canan Moodie, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse (injured), Makazole Mapimpi, Willie le Roux, and Manie Libbok.
Erasmus is expected to rely on experience for the first Test at Eden Park, with key selection questions around fly-half, fullback and the loose forward combination.
The two-Test series against New Zealand is seen as pivotal in the Springboks’ Rugby Championship campaign and as preparation for the end-of-year internationals.
