Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus selected and established but exciting squad for the Nations Championship campaign next month.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has thrown the door open to the next generation by naming six uncapped players and recalling scrumhalves Herschel Jantjies and Embrose Papier in his 46-man squad for the Nations Championship Tests.
South Africa will begin their campaign against England at Ellis Park on 4 July, with Erasmus selecting a group that blends proven World Cup winners with exciting young talent knocking on the door of Test rugby. Some of them played a pivotal role in the 80-31 victory over the Barbarians on Saturday in Gqeberha.
Among the newcomers are four uncapped forwards in Paul de Villiers (loose forward, Stormers), Riley Norton (utility forward, Stormers), Ruben van Heerden (lock, Stormers) and Carlu Sadie (prop, Bordeaux Bègles). De Villiers and Van Heerden have been standout performers for the Cape side in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this season.
Norton could yet be lost to the Junior Springboks, with the talented forward and captain in line to feature at the World Rugby U20 Championship, where they will defend their title. Sadie’s inclusion adds further depth at prop and rewards him for an outstanding campaign in France.
