LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 16: Bongi Mbonambi of South Africa looks on during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between England and South Africa at Allianz Stadium on November 16, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Experienced scrumhalf Faf de Klerk has joined the Springboks in New Zealand, providing additional cover at the No. 9 position for the second leg of their Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign. This strategic move comes after hooker Bongi Mbonambi remained in South Africa to attend to family matters, leaving a gap in the squad.
De Klerk’s arrival brings the touring group to a total of 36 players. The Springboks are set to open their tour against the formidable All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, September 6. Following this, they will head to Wellington for a second encounter at Sky Stadium on September 13.
Key Players Return to Strengthen the Squad
The inclusion of de Klerk is part of a broader strategy to fortify the team, which also sees the return of captain Siya Kolisi and back-row Pieter-Steph du Toit. Both players missed the recent victory over Australia due to injuries—Kolisi with a knee issue and du Toit recovering from a head knock. Their return is timely as they have been declared fit to face New Zealand.
Additionally, Willie le Roux and Jan-Hendrik Wessels are back in contention after overcoming minor injuries that kept them out of the second Test against the Wallabies. Their return is crucial as wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe are sidelined with knee and ankle injuries, respectively, prompting the recall of Makazole Mapimpi.
Squad Adjustments and Strategic Moves
Jasper Wiese has been named in the squad following the completion of his suspension from July’s Test against Italy. However, he will not be available for selection at Eden Park. Meanwhile, his brother Cobus Wiese remains on standby, ready to step in if needed.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus commented on the squad’s readiness, stating,
“Siya (Kolisi, Springbok captain), Pieter-Steph (du Toit), Willie (le Roux), and Jan-Hendrik (Wessels) have been medically cleared from their niggles, while all the players who faced Australia in Cape Town have received a clean bill of health and will be ready to face the All Blacks.”
Springboks Squad for New Zealand Tour
The full squad traveling to New Zealand is as follows:
Forwards
- Lood de Jager
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
- Thomas du Toit
- Jean-Luc du Preez
- Eben Etzebeth
- Vincent Koch
- Siya Kolisi
- Wilco Louw
- Malcolm Marx
- Franco Mostert
- Ox Nche
- Ruan Nortje
- Kwagga Smith
- RG Snyman
- Marnus van der Merwe
- Marco van Staden
- Boan Venter
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- Jasper Wiese
Backs
- Damian de Allende
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Aphelele Fassi
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- Ethan Hooker
- Jesse Kriel
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Willie le Roux
- Manie Libbok
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Canan Moodie
- Handre Pollard
- Cobus Reinach
- Morne van den Berg
- Grant Williams
- Damian Willemse
- Faf de Klerk
Implications and Looking Ahead
The adjustments to the Springboks squad highlight the team’s depth and resilience as they prepare to face one of their toughest opponents. The return of key players and the strategic inclusion of seasoned athletes like Faf de Klerk demonstrate a commitment to maintaining competitive edge and adaptability in the face of unexpected changes.
As the Springboks gear up for their matches against the All Blacks, the focus will be on executing their game plan with precision and leveraging the experience of returning players. The outcome of these matches will not only impact their standing in the Rugby Championship but also serve as a critical assessment of their readiness for future international challenges.
