By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has called in tighthead prop Carlu Sadie and back-row Phepsi Buthelezi to join the camp in Johannesburg.
Buthelezi, along with several Stormers players — including forwards Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouche, JJ Kotze, Danie Kruger, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Oliver Reid, Evan Roos, and Andre-Hugo Venter; and backs Yaqeen Ahmed, Imad Khan, Markus Muller, and Damian Willemse — joined the team on Monday.
The Stormers players have recently returned after their disappointing 20-11 loss to defending United Rugby Championship (URC) champions Leinster.
Former Lions and Sharks man Sadie has previously been involved with the Boks virtually this year, and his call-up is no doubt based on his excellent form with French Top 14 club Bordeaux. Last month, Sadie started for L’UBB against Leinster in the Champions Cup final, helping the French side capture the championship for a second consecutive season.
Sadie will arrive in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The Boks kicked off their on-field preparations on Monday for the season-opening double-header between the Springboks and Barbarians, and the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe, both at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June.
“It’s great to be back on the field and to see familiar and new faces in the squad,” said Erasmus.
“The excitement in the group to get the season underway is palpable, and we are looking forward to the week ahead.
“We are also pleased to welcome Phepsi and Carlu to the squad, and we are confident they will slot in with ease.”
The Springbok squad for the opening leg of the Nations Championship against England, Scotland, and Wales will be announced on Sunday, 21 June.