The Springboks will head into the final leg of the Nations Championship without four of their most experienced stars after injuries ruled them out of the November campaign.
Rassie Erasmus confirmed on Wednesday that Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, André Esterhuizen and Handré Pollard will not be available for selection as South Africa prepares for the final four Tests of the season.
Their absence represents a significant blow for the world champions, with all four players having played important roles in South Africa’s recent success.
However, the setbacks have also opened the door for a new group of players to make their mark at Test level.
Six uncapped players get their chance
Erasmus has named a 37-man squad for the second leg of the Nations Championship, with six uncapped players receiving their first Springbok call-ups.
The newcomers are Yaqeen Ahmed, Sebastian de Klerk, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Riley Norton and Emmanuel Tshituka.
Several of the six have already been involved in the wider Springbok set-up, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to assess them at closer quarters before handing them their first senior call-ups.
With four established stars unavailable, the November tour could provide valuable opportunities for South Africa’s emerging talent to step up.
Erasmus confident in his squad
Despite losing four experienced players, Erasmus remains confident in the depth available to him.
“It’s always sad to lose players of that calibre, but we are pleased with the cover we have in those positions, and it also offers other players the opportunity to put up their hands,” Erasmus said.
He added that most of the selected players have spent considerable time within the Springbok environment this season and understand what is expected of them at international level.
“The majority of the players in this group have been with us for most of the season and know what our expectations are, and also what to anticipate at this level, so we are excited about the group we’ve selected for this vital leg of the season.”
Springboks face crucial November Tests
South Africa currently sits at the top of the Southern Hemisphere standings in the Nations Championship on points difference, level on 15 points with New Zealand.
The Springboks will face Italy on 7 November, France on 13 November and Ireland on 21 November, before the competition concludes with Finals Weekend in London from 27 to 29 November.
With the title race finely poised and four World Cup-winning stars unavailable, Erasmus will be hoping his squad depth can once again deliver.
Springbok squad for the second leg of the Nations Championship
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
