On Sunday, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus narrowed down the national squad from 55 to 45 players. Among those released due to injuries were props Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu, along with four others.
More concerning, however, is the fact that key players Lukhanyo Am (centre) and Pieter-Steph du Toit (utility forward) have also been sent back to their unions to recover from injuries. While the severity of their conditions hasn’t been disclosed, it’s clear they won’t be ready in time for the season opener against the Barbarians on 28 June.
In addition, Cameron Hanekom and Juarno Augustus, both No 8s, have been ruled out of the July Tests versus Italy and Georgia.
Most of the squad will meet in Johannesburg this Sunday afternoon to continue preparations. Bulls players, fresh from their intense United Rugby Championship final against Leinster on Saturday, will join on Monday evening, with RG Snyman arriving Tuesday afternoon.
Premiership final stars Handre Pollard and Thomas du Toit will report for duty on Monday and the following Monday, respectively, for short stints. New addition Boan Venter, formerly of the Toyota Cheetahs and now with Edinburgh, will join the squad on 29 June.
“We assessed the injury situation to identify where we need extra cover and where we already have enough depth,” Erasmus said.
“We have several players sidelined with long-term injuries, while others are expected to return soon and will continue rehab with their clubs. For those released now, we believe we have sufficient cover but they remain on standby if needed.”
Full Springbok squad:
Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Neethling Fouche, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos (Stormers), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Wilco Louw, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese, Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Backs: Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams, Ethan Hooker (Sharks), Manie Libbok, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse (Stormers), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe (Lions).
