Former Junior Springbok prop and captain Zachary Porthen earns first Springbok call-up
On Monday, national coach Rassie Erasmus announced a robust 36-man squad for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour in November, featuring the debut call-up for Zachary Porthen and the return of four players to the Bok lineup this season.
Erasmus also designated 10 players as standbys, including uncapped Ulster and former World Rugby U20 Championship Player of the Tournament Juarno Augustus, along with Vodacom Bulls back Sebastian de Klerk.
The Springboks will kick off their campaign against Japan in London at Wembley Stadium on 1 November, followed by matches against France in Paris (8 November), Italy in Turin (15 November), Ireland in Dublin (22 November), and Wales in Cardiff (29 November).
Porthen, who debuted with the DHL Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, is the lone uncapped player in the squad, which will travel to London from their respective franchises and clubs starting this weekend.
Returning to the team this season are Ben-Jason Dixon (flanker), Johan Grobbelaar (hooker), and Gerhard Steenekamp (prop), while Jean Kleyn (lock), Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Edwill van der Merwe (both wings) rejoin the squad after recovering from injuries.
The selection comprises 21 forwards and 15 backs, while the standby list includes seven forwards and three backs, ensuring a robust depth across the squad.
Captain Siya Kolisi is set to make his 99th Test appearance, positioning him to potentially become only the ninth South African Test centurion during the tour.
Players unavailable for selection due to injury include Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, and others. Erasmus expressed enthusiasm about the squad's composition, emphasizing the inclusion of experienced players and emerging talent like Porthen.
“This tour presents an opportunity to test ourselves against formidable opponents, with Ireland and France currently among the top teams worldwide,” Erasmus remarked, acknowledging the challenges posed by the tour but expressing optimism about the squad's readiness.
Springbok squad for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour:
Forwards: Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Jean Kleyn, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Zachary Porthen, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.
Players on standby:
Forwards: Juarno Augustus, Neethling Fouche, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Vincent Tshituka.
Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Sebastian De Klerk, Makazole Mapimpi.
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