The Springboks have announced their 34-man squad for their upcoming end-of-year tour to the United Kingdom, where they will face Scotland, England, and Wales, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: An elegant escape: Afternoon tea at Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa
The tour kicks off with a Test against Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday, 10 November, followed by clashes with England in London (16 November) and Wales in Cardiff (23 November).
Coach Rassie Erasmus has selected a blend of experience and fresh talent for the challenging tour, which comes after the team’s success in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship. Despite several injuries, key players are making timely returns, with Damian Willemse, André Esterhuizen, RG Snyman, and Franco Mostert back in the squad after injury setbacks.
This will be Willemse’s first appearance in the national setup in 2024 after missing the year’s previous 10 Tests due to a finger injury. His return, along with those of Esterhuizen (shoulder), Snyman (foot), and Mostert (leg), brings added depth to the team as they prepare to tackle tough northern hemisphere opposition.
Several players, however, were ruled out due to injuries, including Steven Kitshoff (neck), Lood de Jager (shoulder), and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Salmaan Moerat (both with knee injuries). Erasmus acknowledged the challenge of finalising the touring squad, given that 49 players have already featured for the Springboks this year.
‘Selecting the squad was tough with the depth we’ve built,’ said Erasmus. ‘There are several unlucky players who could have made it, but unfortunately, we had to stick to 34. It’s exciting to have Damian, André, RG, and Franco back after their injuries, and we’re looking forward to seeing their impact on the field.’
The team will gather in Jersey, an island off the coast of France, for a training camp starting on 27 October before traveling to Edinburgh for their first Test. Erasmus noted that the squad’s experience in the northern hemisphere, particularly in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC), would be crucial.
‘Our URC teams have traveled north regularly, so many of these players are familiar with the conditions and some of the opponents they’ll face,’ said Erasmus. ‘But international rugby is a different beast, and it will take a massive effort to win over there.’
Facing northern hemisphere teams presents unique challenges, Erasmus added, given the contrast in playing styles compared to southern hemisphere opposition. ‘We enjoy the November internationals because they test us in new ways. The conditions are different, and so is the style of rugby, which allows us to grow as a team.’
The Springboks are riding high after a strong season, with only two narrow defeats in 10 Tests, but Erasmus knows success on this tour won’t come easily. England, currently ranked fifth in the world, poses the toughest challenge, followed by seventh-ranked Scotland and 11th-placed Wales.
‘We know how motivated these teams will be, especially playing in front of their passionate home crowds,’ said Erasmus. ‘But we have a squad that believes in their abilities, and that confidence will be vital.’
Although the Springboks are still riding the momentum from their Rugby Championship win, Erasmus emphasised that past success is no guarantee of future results. ‘Winning the Rugby Championship gives us confidence, but that’s history now, and it will motivate the opposition to come at us even harder.’
The Springboks will look to end their season on a high note with victories against top-tier opponents, but Erasmus warned that it would require determination and focus. ‘It will take a monumental effort to be successful on this tour, but we believe in this group and what they can achieve.’
The countdown to the tour begins, with fans eager to see if the returning players and the squad’s collective experience can carry the Boks to victory against some of the world’s toughest rugby nations.
Also read:
Boatica Cape Town: All hands on deck for Africa’s biggest boat show
Picture: Morgan Hancock / Gallo Images