Rassie Erasmus is shaking things up with a fresh-faced 40-man squad for the upcoming Springbok alignment camp, spotlighting 10 uncapped players eager to make their mark. Among the new blood are Sharks prodigy Zekhethelo Siyaya, and Lions' dynamic loose forward Sibabalwe Mahashe. Notably, Bulls' scrumhalf Embrose Papier, who has been tearing up the field this season, has also snagged an invite after being overlooked earlier this year.
The camp represents a strategic move by Erasmus to blend in new talent with seasoned pros, especially as several key players are on the mend from injuries. "This camp will be a good opportunity to expose those invited to our setup and the standards expected of the national coaches," Erasmus detailed. The inclusion of players like Lions' No 8 Francke Horn, centre Henco van Wyk, and Stormers hooker André-Hugo Venter further underscores the depth being cultivated.
"It’s important to be clear about the objective of this alignment camp, and that is to expose these players to our environment, our standards and the way we operate,"
Erasmus emphasized the camp's role in prepping players for the high stakes of international rugby, ensuring they are "fit and firing" for when their moment comes, whether later this season or beyond. The Springboks' intense schedule kicks off on June 20 with a game against the Barbarians, followed by clashes with England, Scotland, and Wales, culminating in a four-Test series against the formidable All Blacks.
The squad for the camp is a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent. Among the forwards are Stormers' stalwarts like Paul de Villiers and Neethling Fouché, alongside Lions' powerhouses such as Bathobele Hlekani and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and Sharks' leaders Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche. The backline is equally robust, featuring Bulls' sharpshooter Handre Pollard and Sharks' speedster Edwill van der Merwe, among others.
This strategic blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers underlines Erasmus’s vision for a resilient, versatile Springbok squad, poised to tackle a challenging international roster head-on.
Forwards: Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouché, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Evan Roos, André-Hugo Venter (all Stormers); Bathobele Hlekani, Francke Horn, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (all Lions); Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Vodacom Bulls); Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Emmanuel Tshituka (all Sharks).
2,100 posts
Rassie Erasmus is shaking things up with a fresh-faced 40-man squad for the upcoming Springbok alignment camp, spotlighting 10 uncapped players eager to make their mark. Among the new blood are Sharks prodigy Zekhethelo Siyaya, and Lions' dynamic loose forward Sibabalwe Mahashe. Notably, Bulls' scrumhalf Embrose Papier, who has been tearing up the field this season, has also snagged an invite after being overlooked earlier this year.
The camp represents a strategic move by Erasmus to blend in new talent with seasoned pros, especially as several key players are on the mend from injuries. "This camp will be a good opportunity to expose those invited to our setup and the standards expected of the national coaches," Erasmus detailed. The inclusion of players like Lions' No 8 Francke Horn, centre Henco van Wyk, and Stormers hooker André-Hugo Venter further underscores the depth being cultivated.
"It’s important to be clear about the objective of this alignment camp, and that is to expose these players to our environment, our standards and the way we operate,"
Erasmus emphasized the camp's role in prepping players for the high stakes of international rugby, ensuring they are "fit and firing" for when their moment comes, whether later this season or beyond. The Springboks' intense schedule kicks off on June 20 with a game against the Barbarians, followed by clashes with England, Scotland, and Wales, culminating in a four-Test series against the formidable All Blacks.
The squad for the camp is a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent. Among the forwards are Stormers' stalwarts like Paul de Villiers and Neethling Fouché, alongside Lions' powerhouses such as Bathobele Hlekani and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and Sharks' leaders Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche. The backline is equally robust, featuring Bulls' sharpshooter Handre Pollard and Sharks' speedster Edwill van der Merwe, among others.
This strategic blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers underlines Erasmus’s vision for a resilient, versatile Springbok squad, poised to tackle a challenging international roster head-on.
Forwards: Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouché, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Evan Roos, André-Hugo Venter (all Stormers); Bathobele Hlekani, Francke Horn, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (all Lions); Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Vodacom Bulls); Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Emmanuel Tshituka (all Sharks).
Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard (all Vodacom Bulls); André Esterhuizen, Zekheth