The Springboks are gearing up for an exciting start to their international rugby season with a blend of experience and fresh talent. As they face the Barbarians in Cape Town on June 28, head coach Rassie Erasmus is crafting a squad that balances seasoned players with new entrants, despite facing several injury-related setbacks.
Squad adjustments for the Springboks
The Springboks’ opening match against the Barbarians signifies a kick-off outside the usual international window, which means a number of international players will join the squad later. As announced, the Springboks will field a mix of experienced players, particularly those based in Japan like Jesse Kriel, Faf de Klerk, and Cheslin Kolbe, alongside some less experienced squad members.
Erasmus has trimmed his larger training squad from 55 to 45 players, pinpointing key positional covers amidst recent injuries. Among the key changes, Pieter-Steph du Toit and several others will miss the start of the season due to injuries. This adjustment is part of an ongoing strategy to manage player workload and try new combinations ahead of a packed season.
Facing challenges with player injuries
Injuries have been a major factor in shaping the squad dynamics. Notable players such as Gerhard Steenekamp, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Lukhanyo Am, and Juarno Augustus are set to miss the initial games as they recover. Erasmus, however, has emphasized that these players could be reintegrated once they regain fitness.
To mitigate the absence of key forwards, Erasmus has called up Boan Venter, a promising addition who is familiar with South African rugby structures. Venter’s consistency with Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship earned him this opportunity, showcasing Erasmus’s openness to incorporate talent from various leagues.
New faces and potential debuts
While seasoned players will lead on the field, several uncapped players are poised to gain valuable experience. Marnus van der Merwe, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and Cobus Wiese are among the new faces potentially featuring against the Barbarians. Though appearances in this non-test match do not count as official Springbok caps, they provide an invaluable platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills.
Rassie Erasmus has also included surprise picks like Ntokozo Makhaza, known for his stellar performance in the Varsity Cup. Although not yet ready for international play, his training efforts have caught the eye, potentially marking him as one to watch for future selections.
Looking inward as preparation strategy
Recognizing the unique challenge the Barbarians bring with their free-form style of play, Erasmus plans to focus on refining the Springboks’ game strategies rather than over-analyzing their opponents. This approach reflects Erasmus’s confidence in his squad’s ability to adapt and his intent to build a robust team for the season ahead.
With a busy schedule facing Italy, Georgia, and other high-profile international fixtures, the Springboks are set for a demanding yet promising year. The strategic adjustments and squad management show a well-thought-out path as they aim to uphold their proud rugby traditions on the global stage.
