Rugby union news: Erasmus trims Springbok squad ahead of Barbarians clash
On Sunday, June 15, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus trimmed his squad from 55 to 45 players ahead of the start of the Boks’ international season.
With plenty of injury replacements and some surprise omissions, much has been debated about the make-up of the Boks ahead of their first game against the Barbarians.
Sports News Blitz’s Aidan Leo presents an overview of the new-look Springbok squad and the reaction coming out of the camp.
Venter called up
Ex-Cheetahs prop, Boan Venter, currently plying his trade with Edinburgh was called up by Erasmus as a result of injury struggles the Boks are experiencing at loosehead.
Both Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls) and Ntuthuko Mchunu (Sharks) have joined an array of injured Springbok players in the treatment room—this leaves Venter with an opportunity to impress, likely against the Baabaas.
“Boan has been consistent for Edinburgh in the Vodacom URC and the EPCR Challenge Cup, and he is familiar with the South African structures after playing for the Toyota Cheetahs and coming through our junior ranks.
“We are looking forward to seeing him in action on the field,” Erasmus said on Venter’s inclusion.
Injuries taking toll
Two-time World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit has suffered an injury-ridden season and remains on the sidelines, but Erasmus is optimistic regarding his imminent return.
The legendary flanker will be vital going into the clashes in New Zealand against the All Blacks.
The URC Next-Gen Player of the Season Cameron Hanekom, who was in contention for a starting berth at eighth man, has also been excluded due to a significant hamstring injury.
Along with Northampton Saints number eight Juarno Augustus, who, although has yet to feature for the Boks, was certainly going to challenge both Jasper Wiese and Cameron Hanekom for the jersey.
Veteran outside-centre Lukhanyo Am has also missed out due to a knee injury - meaning exciting prospect Ethan Hooker has been propelled to second-choice outside-centre behind starter Jesse Kriel.
Hooker, who primarily featured on the wing for the Sharks this season, is seen as a centre option for Erasmus.
Players that were cut
Jordan Hendrikse (flyhalf), Quan Horn (fullback), Renzo du Plessis (flanker), and Ntokozo Makhaza (utility back) have all been cut from the squad due to pecking order or in Makhaza’s case - experience at the pro level, which he will obtain with the Cheetahs next season.
Erasmus has touted Makhaza as a potential future star for the Boks in wide areas, due to his versatility, consistency, and kicking efficiency.
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No doubt, the most significant omission was scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse.
Bar injury, the Sharks scrumhalf was generally first or second choice for the nine-jersey.
This signals that Erasmus is looking ahead to his other scrumhalf options as the way forward for the Boks.
Leaving the Boks with vastly-experienced halfbacks Faf de Klerk and Cobus Reinach, along with dynamic prospects Grant Williams and Morne van den Berg.
One man’s woes means another man’s triumph
In the absence of both Hanekom and Augustus, explosive Stormers eighth man Evan Roos has dashed into the Bok camp and is the only one left to rival Wiese for the number-eight jersey.
Roos will likely remain second choice going into the Rugby Championship, but with only Wiese to challenge, his chances of gaining more caps and experience this season are likely.
Erasmus pleased with his squad
Speaking with SA Rugby, Erasmus said: “Our first week of training went well, and it offered us a chance to assess our depth and measure the level at which the players are currently, with an eye on the international season.
“We also took stock of the injuries and determined in which positions we needed cover, as well as those in which we have sufficient cover.
“There are a number of players out with long-term injuries, while others are set to return from injury in the next few weeks or months, so they will complete their rehabilitation at their clubs and franchises.
“In terms of the other players released, we feel we have good cover in those positions at this stage, but they are all on standby to join us at any time if we need to call on them.”
Erasmus will already have a plan in place as to who will feature against the Barbarians on Saturday, June 28 in Cape Town—leaving fans in awe and eager anticipation for the return of the world champions to the field.
Updated 45-man squad
Props: Thomas du Toit, Ox Nche, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Boan Venter, Vincent Koch, Neethling Fouche, Wilco Louw, Asenathi Ntlabakanye
Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Marnus van der Merwe
Locks: Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Jean Kleyn, Cobus Wiese, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, Ruan Nortje, Franco Mostert
Loose forwards: Siya Kolisi, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Evan Roos, Jasper Wiese
Utility forwards: Jean-Luc du Preez, Vincent Tshituka
Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Handre Pollard
Centres: Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Ethan Hooker
Outside backs: Cheslin Kolbe, Makazole Mapimpi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Edwill van der Merwe, Aphelele Fassi, Damian Willemse, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie
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