Rassie Erasmus has included three uncapped players in his touring squad for the Springbok’s European tour, including Western Province flier Sergeal Petersen.
The other two uncapped players are Petersen’s teammates Ruhan Nel and JD Schickerling, whille Japan-based Gio Aplon and one-capped Louis Schreuder also earned recalls.
The squad has also been boosted by the return of Duane Vermeulen and the injured duo of Trevor Nyakane and Lood de Jager.
Erasmus’ squad for the month-long tour to England, France, Scotland and Wales consists of 20 forwards and 16 backs, and the Springbok coach is looking forward to testing his players.
“This tour to the northern hemisphere will be another tough test of our team’s character and we are looking forward to the exciting challenges against England, France, Scotland and Wales,” said Erasmus.
“It is always good to welcome new players to the Springbok environment and I’m excited to work with Sergeal and JD – I am sure they will bring a lot of energy into the group.
“Gio has a lot of experience of playing in the challenging European conditions from his club rugby stint in France, while Louis has been impressive in the Currie Cup and also brings a lot of experience.
“And we all know the value experienced players such as Lood, Trevor, and Duane will bring to the squad.”
Lionel Mapoe, who was part of the training squad in Stellenbosch, was ruled out of the tour due to injury and joins Tendai Mtawarira, Ross Cronje, Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi, all of whom were part of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship squad, on the sidelines.
FULL SQUAD:
Forwards: Schalk Brits, Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Trevor Nyakane, JD Schickerling, RG Snyman , Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley.
Backs: Gio Aplon, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, André Esterhuizen, Elton Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Ruhan Nel, Sbu Nkosi, Embrose Papier, Sergeal Petersen, Handré Pollard, Louis Schreuder, Ivan van Zyl, Damian Willemse.