By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named an experienced match-day squad for the series opener against Italy at Loftus Versfeld, featuring 13 players who beat the Barbarians 54-7 in Cape Town.
With regular captain Siya Kolisi still sidelined by a minor injury, Jessie Kriel retains the armband, becoming the 67th Springbok captain. Eben Etzebeth, back from injury, has been named vice-captain.
The match marks a return for fullback Damian Willemse, who missed the Barbarians clash due to suspension and has been sidelined by injury since the 2023 World Cup final. Handre Pollard also returns at flyhalf, partnering scrumhalf Morne van den Berg.
Willemse forms an exciting back three with Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Damian de Allende and Kriel continue in midfield.
There are three changes among the forwards. Jasper Wiese replaces Jean-Luc du Preez, whose wife is expecting a baby, Etzebeth starts in place of the injured Jean Kleyn and Wilco Louw comes in at tighthead prop alongside Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx.
The Boks once again go with a 6-2 bench split. Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Vincent Koch cover the front row, with RG Snyman, Franco Mostert and Kwagga Smith the other forward reinforcements. The two backs on the bench are Faf de Klerk and Willie le Roux, who is in line to win his 99th Test cap.
“We have a big squad, and we would like to balance the game time within the group, while at the same time maintaining continuity in selection, and we believe this is the team that will be best suited for what we want to achieve against Italy,” said Erasmus.
“We are also fortunate to have a few experienced players back from injury, who will be keen to make their mark in the game.”
Commenting on Kolisi’s injury, Erasmus said: “Siya unfortunately picked up a niggle, but Marco did a good job at flanker last week and he is one of the core players in our team, so we are blessed to have such depth in the squad.”
Erasmus added: “If one goes through this team, there are so many leaders, and we were impressed with how Jesse accepted the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband last week. He is a player who leads by example on and off the field, and he thoroughly deserves this honour.”
The Bok coach was also delighted for Tshituka, who delivered a strong performance against the Barbarians last week in which he scored two tries in his first game in the Bok jersey.
“Vincent has fitted into our structures really well and he showed last week that he has the potential to play test rugby, so we are excited to see what he can do against Italy and to see him make his debut,” said the Bok coach.
Springboks – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Willie le Roux.