Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks squad; Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has selected a 35-man squad ahead of the first Test of the season against Wales in London on July 22.
Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks squad: Winners and losers.
Due to many injuries, Erasmus had to cast the net a little wider.
Sharks center Ethan Hooker (21), who made his franchise debut this season, grabbed the Durbanites’ attention with some strong performances in a URC season to forget immediately.
With teammate Lukhanio Am injured, Hooker has stepped up strongly in the Sharks midfield and has a golden opportunity to impress the Springbok coaching group in a blockbuster season with.
Other surprise selections include Stormers utility forward Ben-Jason Dixon and Lions wing Edwil van der Merwe.
Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks squad: Winners and losers.
Dixon, who recently played his 50th match for the Stormers against the Lions at the Cape Town Stadium, was seen training with the national team in a social media post during their recent camp.
The utility forward is known for his exceptional work rate, which Erasmus always looks for in a player.
Some have compared him to being in the mold of Pieter-Steph du Toit who is heading into the twilight of his career ahead of the 2027 RWC in Australia and could fit that mold as a backup or future starter.
Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks squad: Winners and losers.
The wing boasts excellent aerodynamics with electric speed and great finishing ability.
He would provide Erasmus with a backup option to run against the clock due to recent injuries to the duo of Kanaan Moody and Curt-Lee Arends.
Sanle Nohamba has caught the eye after switching from scrumhalf to flyhalf this season and has given the Lions a new attacking edge.
Most recently, against Glasgow Warriors, he came off the bench and practically turned the game on its head.
Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks squad: Winners and losers.
He would provide Erasmus with great versatility, being able to play in either halfback position.
His absence could also be due to injury symptoms after taking a high shot from Angelo Davids in his last outing against the Stormers.
Another unlucky Stormers player is Ruben van Heerden.
Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks squad: Winners and losers.
Van Heerden who leads URC with 224 tackles is a workhorse for the Cape franchise and will be unlucky to miss out along with teammate Warrick Gallant who showed great .
Gelant is pipped by Afele Fassi, who has shown excellent form throughout the season. Rugby is really most entertaing game.