Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith will reach a major career milestone this Sunday, earning his 50th Test cap when South Africa faces Scotland at Murrayfield in their opening match of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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Smith, who made his debut for the Springboks in 2018 against Wales in Washington, has since secured two Rugby World Cup titles. The 31-year-old will start at No 8 for this milestone match, alongside a strengthened South African lineup. Coach Rassie Erasmus has made several key changes, including the return of locks Franco Mostert and RG Snyman, who have both recovered from significant injuries. Mostert returns after a lengthy absence following a broken leg sustained during the Castle Lager Incoming Series against Ireland, while Snyman is fully fit after a foot injury that kept him out of South Africa’s victorious Rugby Championship campaign earlier this year.
In a reshuffled squad, Erasmus has named Eben Etzebeth as captain, with Siya Kolisi starting on the bench. Smith’s milestone comes in a loose trio alongside Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden. Mostert will team up with Etzebeth in the second row, with Etzebeth, South Africa’s most-capped player, set to extend his record to 129 Test appearances.
There are 12 players remaining from the squad that last faced Scotland in the pool stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, including key figures like Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, and Bongi Mbonambi. The Springboks’ forward pack features a mix of experience and fresh faces, with a completely revamped backline.
In the backs, Jaden Hendrikse is the only player to retain his starting position from South Africa’s last match in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship against Argentina. Veteran fullback Willie le Roux will make his 98th Test appearance, edging closer to a century of caps. The wing positions will be filled by Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moodie, with the midfield combination of Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am. Hendrikse will partner with Handre Pollard in the halfback positions, adding an experienced edge to the backline.
Erasmus has opted for a bench that leans heavily on forwards, with seven forwards in total, including Marx, Vincent Koch, and Gerhard Steenekamp in the front row, and Snyman offering lock cover. Kolisi, Du Toit, and Wiese will provide additional loose forward options, while Grant Williams is the only backline player on the bench, covering both scrumhalf and wing.
Speaking about the team, Erasmus said, ‘This is a seasoned group, with 21 of the 23 players having won a Rugby World Cup, some of them twice. They understand what it takes to succeed at this level. Many of these combinations have also played together earlier this year in the Castle Lager Incoming Series and the Rugby Championship, which will be valuable against a strong team like Scotland.’
With a 7-1 forward split on the bench, Erasmus is expecting a highly physical encounter. ‘Scotland is ranked seventh in the world and they’re a team that never gives up. Their squad has top-class players, and we know it’s going to be a full 80-minute battle,’ he added. ‘We only led them by three points at halftime in the Rugby World Cup, and they’ve since brought a new dynamic to their game. Plus, with their passionate home crowd behind them, we know the energy will be intense.’
Reflecting on Smith’s achievement, Erasmus praised his consistency and dedication. ‘Kwagga is an incredibly talented player and a great team member. Reaching 50 Test caps is no small feat, and it’s a testament to his hard work and high standards both in training and on the field. We’re very proud of him.’
The games kicks off at 6:10pm.
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Picture: Anton Geyser / Gallo Images
