Rassie Erasmus has rewarded six rising South African stars with their first senior Springbok call-ups as the national team prepares for the second leg of the Nations Championship in November.
The 37-man squad includes Yaqeen Ahmed, Sebastian de Klerk, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Riley Norton and Emmanuel Tshituka, all of whom have previously been involved in the wider Springbok system.
Their inclusion signals Erasmus’ continued willingness to introduce new talent while maintaining a strong core of experienced internationals.
Six new faces earn Springbok call-ups
The six uncapped players have already caught the attention of the national coaching staff through their performances at franchise and representative level.
Ahmed, Giliomee, Muller and Tshituka previously featured for the SA A team against Zimbabwe.
Norton, a former Junior Springbok captain, was involved with the senior national side earlier this season when the Springboks faced the Barbarians.
De Klerk has also been on the national team’s radar after attending a Springbok alignment camp last season.
Giliomee is another player with international experience at a different level, having previously represented the Blitzboks before making the move from the Sharks to the Bulls.
Erasmus explains the selection
Erasmus said the six players had been monitored for some time and had done enough at franchise level to earn their opportunity.
The Springbok boss highlighted their consistency over the past two seasons, as well as their previous exposure to the national set-up.
Their selection gives the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the youngsters at the highest level while preparing for a demanding November schedule.
Experienced Springbok core remains
While the newcomers will attract plenty of attention, Erasmus has also retained a strong group of established internationals.
Captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende are among the experienced players included in the squad.
The Springboks enter the November campaign after finishing top of the Nations Championship Southern Series in July, following victories over England, Scotland and Wales.
The team will now look to build on that momentum while giving several of South Africa’s emerging stars an opportunity to push for higher honours.
Full 37-man Springbok squad
Props: Thomas du Toit, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen, Gerhard Steenekamp.
Hookers: Malcolm Marx, Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Locks: Lood de Jager, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortje, Riley Norton, Franco Mostert.
Loose forwards: Paul de Villiers, Siya Kolisi, Cameron Hanekom, Emmanuel Tshituka, Jasper Wiese.
Utility forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden.
Scrumhalves: Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams.
Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Luan Giliomee, Manie Libbok.
Centres: Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Markus Muller, Canan Moodie.
Outside backs: Sebastian de Klerk, Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse.
The big question
With six uncapped players now knocking on the door, the November Tests could provide a major opportunity for South Africa’s next generation.
Which of the six newcomers will make the biggest impact in the Springbok setup?
