Three uncapped players named in Springbok squad

August 06, 2018
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Ultimate Rugby

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed his squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship. The squad includes three uncapped players in Cyle Brink, Marco van Staden and Damian Willemse, while Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth and Warren Whiteley are back from injury.

Also back in the Bok fold for the first time this year are Francois Louw, Lwazi Mvovo, Lionel Mapoe and Ross Cronje. Erasmus feels Louw can provide valuable experience up front, with Etzebeth and Whiteley. He added that Brink and Jean-Luc Preez will have to undergo medicals.

Siya Kolisi retains the captaincy, while Willie le Roux and Faf de Klerk, both of whom were outstanding during the 2-1 Incoming Series win over England in June, are amongst the 15 backs in the squad.

“Eben and Warren have been out of the Bok mix for a while because of injury so it’s very pleasing to have them back in the squad, while Malcolm has regained his good form with the Emirates Lions since recovering from his injury,” said Erasmus.

“It is also pleasing to again add some young players who been showing good form and consistency for their franchise teams during Super Rugby,” Erasmus

Forwards (20):

Cyle Brink (Loose forward, Emirates Lions, uncapped)

Jean-Luc du Preez (Loose forward, Cell C Sharks, 13, 10 - 2t)

Thomas du Toit (Prop, Cell C Sharks, 4, 0)

Pieter-Steph du Toit (Lock / Loose forward, DHL Stormers, 36, 20 - 4t)

Eben Etzebeth (Lock, DHL Stormers, 67, 15 - 3t)

Steven Kitshoff (Prop, DHL Stormers, 27, 5 - 1t)

Siya Kolisi (captain – Loose forward, DHL Stormers, 31, 20 - 4t)

Francois Louw (Loose forward, Bath, England, 57, 45 - 9t)

Wilco Louw (Prop, DHL Stormers, 7, 0)

Frans Malherbe (Prop, DHL Stormers, 19, 0)

Malcolm Marx (Hooker, Emirates Lions, 14, 15 - 3t)