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The South African
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
How could uncapped players fit into Springbok squad?
The first Springbok training squad of the season, which was confirmed on Thursday by SA Rugby, includes 31 Rugby World Cup players and nine uncapped players in a group of 54. Those nine players in the group are Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Juarno Augustus, Ethan Hooker and Ntokozo Makhaza. Although this squad will be trimmed closer to the start of the Test season, it is worth considering how these uncapped players could fit into the Springbok team, and what has brought them into the national picture. Ethan Hooker: The versatile Sharks back, who can play at wing or centre, has been loudly knocking on the Springbok door this season. He is surely set for a Test debut sooner rather than later, likely to be on the right wing as someone who can afford Cheslin Kolbe some rest when needed. Juarno Augustus: A standout player for the Northampton Saints this past season, Augustus now has experience on his side, and could provide a very good option at No 8 considering the injuries to other players in this position. Vincent Tshituka: The Congolese-born Tshituka will add some much-needed depth at blindside flank, and it would not be a surprise at all to see him make his debut against Italy or Georgia in July. Ntokozo Makhaza: The Varsity Cup superstar was a bit of a bolter in the squad selection, and it will be interesting to see whether the talented wing has shown enough to tempt the Springbok coaches into offering him an international cap this July. Renzo du Plessis: Another rising star in South African rugby, the dynamic loose forward is in the mould of Kwagga Smith. A debut against Georgia would certainly seem feasible. Neethling Fouche: The Stormers powerhouse prop will add important back up at tighthead, and considering Frans Malherbe is still sidelined with injury, Fouche is due for his first Test cap. Asenathi Ntlabakanye: A 145kg giant, his physical dimensions set him apart from the pack, and perhaps the one-off games against the Barbarians and Georgia will present an opportunity for the big tighthead prop to get a Springbok game under the belt. Marnus van der Merwe: Another position where the Springboks need to build depth is at hooker, and Van der Merwe is deserving of consideration after impressing for Welsh club Scarlets. When Malcolm Marx or Bongi Mbonambi are in need of a rest, the baton should be passed to Van der Merwe Cobus Wiese: With the ability to play at lock and loose forward, the 27-year-old boasts all the physical attributes to make an impact for the Springboks in some of the Tests this season when experimental selection is likely to come into consideration. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October. Ticket sales Tickets are on sale via and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s. (*booking fees apply)
The Star
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-South Africa name nine uncapped players in expansive squad
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -Nine uncapped players have been named in an expansive 54-man South Africa squad for the first four of the country's 14 international matches this year. Coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday retained 31 of the squad that won the 2023 World Cup in a sign of continuity but has also made clear he intended using tests against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia to try out new prospects. The uncapped players include Northampton Saints eighthman Juarno Augustus and hooker Marnus van der Merwe from Scarlets in Wales plus locally-based prop forwards Neethling Fouche and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, flanks Renzo du Plessis and Vincent Tshituka and utility forward Cobus Wiese, whose brother Jasper is a regular in the squad. The new backs are Sharks centre Ethan Hooker and Ntokozo Makhaza, who has been selected from university rugby without any franchise experience. The squad assembled on Sunday except for players still involved in the closing stages of the United Rugby Championship or English Premiership. 'We are excited to have the luxury of announcing a squad with so much depth and talent,' Erasmus said in a statement. 'Having an expanded squad will not only afford us the opportunity to have productive training sessions, but it will also bode well for the younger players in the group to learn from the senior players, many of whom are Rugby World Cup champions." South Africa used 50 players last season in an attempt to balance the load and build towards the 2027 World Cup in Australia. 'With a few more talented youngsters in this group, we hope that they will learn valuable lessons and stake a strong claim for places in what will be a challenging, yet exciting season,' the coach added. Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane were not considered due to injury. The Springboks will meet the Barbarians in their first encounter on South African soil in Cape Town on June 28 followed by two tests against Italy in Pretoria andGqeberha on July 5 and 12 respectively and Georgia in Nelspruit on July 19. From August the Springboks play in the Rugby Championship and in November go on a European tour with tests in Italy, France, Ireland and Wales. Squad: Forwards:Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (both Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs:Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (both Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks) (Reporting by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Ken Ferris)
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rassie Erasmus picks Varsity Cup star among Bok rookies
Winger Ntokozo Makhaza is one of nine uncapped players in a 54-man Springbok squad named by Rassie Erasmus for the start of the world champions' 2025 season. The Boks face the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium on June 28, followed by three Tests – against Italy (in Pretoria and Gqeberha on July 5 and 12) and Georgia (in Mbombela, July 9). The squad, which was confirmed today, includes 31 world cup winners and consists of 30 forwards and 24 backs. Makhaza, who helped the UCT Ikeys win the 2025 Varsity Cup in April, is in line to represent the Boks for the first time with Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Juarno Augustus and Ethan Hooker. While Fouche and Hooker were members of the Springbok training squad last season, Tshituka and Augustus had a taste of the senior international structures after being included in the Springbok Showdown Green and Gold squads in 2020. With the Vodacom Bulls, Sharks and Leinster still in the race for the URC final, along with their teammates from Bath, Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks, who will contest the Premiership semi-finals this week, a staggered approach will be adopted to those players joining the camp. MORE: Baa Baas get 170-cap boost for Bok clash The available players, which include the full Japan-based contingent following the conclusion of their season, will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday and begin their on-field preparations on Monday. The rest of the players will join the squad as they complete their club commitments. Five players, meanwhile, were not considered for selection due to injuries: Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane. 'We used a total of 50 players last season to balance the load on them, while at the same time building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and with a few more talented youngsters in this group, we hope that they will learn valuable lessons and stake a strong claim for places in what will be a challenging, yet exciting season,' said Erasmus. The squad will train from Monday to Friday, before returning home for the weekend to spend time with their families, and will reassemble on Sunday, 15 June for the second week of training, before travelling to Cape Town for the Barbarians match. Full Springbok Squad: Forwards: Cameron Hanekom, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Bulls), Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Neethling Fouche, Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Renzo du Plessis, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie (Bulls), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse (Stormers), Quan Horn, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe (Lions), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT). This article first appeared on SA Rugby magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Surprises in Rassie's first Bok squad of 2025, nine uncapped players included
Nine uncapped players have been included in the Springboks' first squad of the season, which sees five players miss out due to injury. Ntokozo Makhaza of UCT Ikeys has been included in the first Springboks squad of the season. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Varsity Cup player Ntokozo Makhaza is one of nine uncapped players selected for Rassie Erasmus' Springbok training squad for the opening stages of the international season, which kicks off on 28 June against the Barbarians, followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series. The Springbok boss named the same 54 players who attended the squad's second national alignment camp in Cape Town, including 31 Rugby World Cup players. Thirty forwards and 24 backs are in the mix. The nine uncapped players are Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Juarno Augustus, Ethan Hooker, and Ntokozo Makhaza. The available players, which include the full Japan-based contingent following the conclusion of their season, will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday, 8 June, and begin their on-field preparations on Monday. The remainder of the players will join the squad as they complete their club commitments. 'We were very pleased with the two Springbok alignment camps we hosted, and we are excited to have the luxury of announcing a squad with so much depth and talent,' Erasmus said, adding he took pride in offering talented young players a chance as they built towards the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Springbok squad: Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (both Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Emirates Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks). Players not considered due to injury: Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane.
TimesLIVE
05-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Rassie Erasmus names exciting Springbok squad
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named the same 54 players — nine of whom are uncapped — that attended the second national alignment camp in Cape Town last month in a large training squad for the opening stages of the international season. The Boks' campaign kicks off on June 28 against the Barbarians, followed by the Incoming Series. The squad, which was confirmed on Thursday by SA Rugby, includes 31 players wo have done duty at the Rugby World Cup. The group consist of 30 forwards and 24 backs, while only nine players are yet to don the green and gold jersey on the international stage. The nine uncapped players in the group are Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouché, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Juarno Augustus, Ethan Hooker and Ntokozo Makhaza. While Fouché and Hooker were members of the Springbok training squad last season, Tshituka and Augustus had a taste of the senior international structures after being included in the Springbok Showdown Green and Gold squads in 2020.
