The Springboks are bolstering their ranks with the addition of Stormers lock Adre Smith, as they prepare for the upcoming matches against the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ team's face-off with Zimbabwe. This strategic inclusion, announced on the heels of Carlu Sadie and Phepsi Buthelezi's call-ups, brings the squad's tally to 54 robust players. Smith, a veteran with over 50 caps for the Stormers, steps in alongside teammate Ruben van Heerden, who fills the void left by the injured Salmaan Moerat.
The team is set to regroup in Johannesburg this Sunday, after a brief respite with family. The players will then head to the Eastern Cape on Wednesday to finalize their preparations, including the captains' runs on Friday ahead of Saturday's double-header at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
"Once you lose that amazing feeling, you should rather stop,"
advised Faf de Klerk, reflecting the high stakes and emotions tied to international rugby.Coaches Rassie Erasmus and Mzwandile Stick, helming the Springboks and SA ‘A’ respectively, will reveal their line-ups next Tuesday. The selection is particularly challenging this time around, as the Bulls players are unavailable due to their engagement in the URC final. Stick's leadership is especially anticipated, marking his return since the November 2022 defeats to Bristol Bears and Munster.
Following this weekend's games, the focus will shift towards the Nations Championship, with the Springboks opening against England at Ellis Park. This series of matches is not just about victories but also a crucial platform for integrating younger talents amidst ongoing concerns over player poaching—a strategy emphasized by Erasmus.
The updated 54-man squad is a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents. Forward players include Phepsi Buthelezi, Lood de Jager, Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouche, Bathobele Hlekani, Hanro Jacobs, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, JJ Kotze, Danie Kruger, Sibabalwa Mahashe, Malcolm Marx, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Oliver Reid, Evan Roos, Carlu Sadie, Adre Smith, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Ruben van Heerden Liam van Wyk, Andre-Hugo Venter, Boan Venter, Jasper Wiese. The backs are Yaqeen Ahmed, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Luan Giliomee, Quan Horn, Jurenzo Julius, Imad Khan, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Vusi Moyo, Markus Muller, Haashim Pead, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Nico Steyn, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams.
As the Springboks and SA ‘A’ team gear up for their respective matches on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, fans can look forward to a showcase of strategic depth and the rich potential of South African rugby.