Rassie Erasmus has introduced some new faces but Ireland will be facing familiar foes.
Steven Kitshoff, Lood de Jager, and Damian Willemse have 182 caps between them and have been important players for Rassie Erasmus ’ side for most of his tenure.
It would be a big surprise if Erasmus’ matchday 23 to face Ireland in the first Test in Pretoria on 6 July is much different to the side that claimed a second consecutive World Cup title last year. Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus. Steve Haag Sports / Steve Haag/INPHO Steve Haag Sports / Steve Haag/INPHO / Steve Haag/INPHO
The Boks boss has also named 14 standby players to join his main squad sporadically for training over the next few weeks as he continues developing depth at the start of this World Cup cycle. Erasmus has been talking about 2027 already, although it’s unlikely that this series against Ireland will be seen as anything other than a must-win.
Over at tighthead, Frans Malherbe remains one of the best in the business, Vincent Koch can be destructive, while du Toit has been in superb form for Bath and Nyakane is excellent there too. Someone as good as Bulls tighthead Wilco Louw misses out on the squad altogether such is the array of riches.
Pieter-Steph du Toit captained the side against Wales last weekend, while Mbonambi and Etzebeth are the other candidates as skipper if Kolisi doesn’t start against Ireland. The Boks boss has plenty of options at scrum-half with Faf de Klerk and Cobus Reinach the experienced options there, while Handré Pollard will be favourite to wear the number 10 shirt.
Erasmus Options Rassie Springboks
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wales captain Dewi Lake relishing huge challenge against South AfricaSpringboks strong favourites in their first outing since lifting the World Cup
Read more »
Sligo coach recalls FA Cup giant-killing as Bit O' Red get dream FAI Cup drawIt’s been a miserable three years for Sligo Rovers in the FAI Cup.
Read more »
Four medals won by team Ireland at World Cup IIIt was a very successful week on the water for team Ireland in Lucerne.
Read more »
Veteran Ireland defender describes Brazil World Cup as 'a great aim and goal'Birmingham City and Ireland defender Louise Quinn turns 34 next month and is preparing to win her 118th senior international cap
Read more »
Hopeful Ireland open T20 World Cup cricket campaign against IndiaThe competition, co-hosted by the West Indies and Caribbean, opens with five pools of four, the top two progressing to a Super-8 section
Read more »
Ireland ready to open T20 World Cup with New York clash against IndiaIreland head coach Heinrich Malan strikes confident note ahead of tournament
Read more »