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2w ago

Erasmus Names 46‑Man Springbok Squad as Six Uncapped Players Are Included

The selection broadens South Africa’s player pool to add young talent and cover positional depth ahead of the July 4 Test at Ellis Park.

GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 20: Faf de Klerk of South Africa passes to Evan Roos during the YesPlay Cup match between South Africa and Barbarians at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images)
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Overview

  • Rassie Erasmus named a 46‑man Nations Championship squad on Sunday that contains six uncapped players and a roster of 28 forwards and 18 backs.
  • Saturday’s 80‑31 non‑Test win over the Barbarians produced standout displays from Riley Norton, Paul de Villiers and Jaco Williams that helped secure their senior call‑ups.
  • Several long‑established internationals were left out of the squad, a decision analysts say could effectively close the door on further Test chances for some veterans.
  • The senior call‑ups forced changes to the Junior Boks, with Riley Norton and Vusi Moyo replaced in the U20 squad and hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele named captain.
  • England and New Zealand have also finalised early squads — England resting Maro Itoje with Jamie George as captain and Dave Rennie naming Ardie Savea as All Blacks captain — as the Springboks prepare for the Nations Championship opener in Johannesburg.