The Springbok factory never stops grinding. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has officially expanded his training squad, calling up powerful Bordeaux Bègles prop Carlu Sadie and versatile Sharks loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi.
The duo will hook up with the squad in Johannesburg over the next 48 hours as on-field preparations kick into high gear for a massive double-header Saturday on 20 June at Gqeberha’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium:
- The Springboks vs. The Barbarians
- SA “A” vs. Zimbabwe
Sadie, a former Junior Springbok currently playing for European heavyweights Bordeaux, adds immediate muscle to the tightfive options. Meanwhile, Buthelezi gets a deserved nod following a blistering, late-season return to form with the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
“The excitement in the group to get the season underway is palpable,” said Rassie Erasmus. “We are pleased to welcome Phepsi and Carlu to the squad, and we are confident they will slot in with ease.”
The Selection Blueprint: Local Stars Meet Global Giants
The updated squad represents a massive blend of youth development and world-class championship experience. With the DHL Stormers players arriving following their URC semi-final run, the training base is loaded with depth ahead of the official Nations Championship squad announcement on Sunday, 21 June.
Here is how the training squad shapes up:
The Forwards
- Props & Hookers: Carlu Sadie, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Neethling Fouche, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Boan Venter, Andre-Hugo Venter, JJ Kotze, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Liam van Wyk, Zachary Porthen.
- Locks & Loose Forwards: Phepsi Buthelezi, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos, Ben-Jason Dixon, Paul de Villiers, Bathobele Hlekani, Hanro Jacobs, Danie Kruger, Sibabalwa Mahashe, Riley Norton, Oliver Reid, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka.
The Backs
- Scrumhalves & Flyhalves: Faf de Klerk, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Nico Steyn, Imad Khan, Haashim Pead, Yaqeen Ahmed.
- Centers & Outside Backs: Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Damian Willemse, Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Quan Horn, Luan Giliomee, Jurenzo Julius, Vusi Moyo, Markus Muller, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Jaco Williams.
