Springboks Prepare for Italy Test Amid Injury Challenges
The Springboks are embarking on their tour without key players sidelined due to injuries, yet Rassie Erasmus has a robust 37-man squad at his disposal.
However, a new injury concern has emerged with Bulls player Cameron Hanekom, who was substituted at halftime during the Bulls’ 54-26 victory over Scarlets at Loftus Versfeld due to lower back discomfort.
Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann stated that the decision was largely precautionary, though it may prevent Hanekom from participating in the upcoming Test against Italy on Saturday.
“He had some trouble with his lower back early in the match, and we decided to keep him on until halftime. He showed commendable resilience,” Ackermann remarked.
“At halftime, the medical team suggested treatment, but I believed it was best to bring him off to mitigate the risk. Thankfully, he’s okay, but he was definitely feeling some discomfort.”
The Springboks’ selection for the match against Italy will be intriguing, particularly as it might be the final opportunity this year for Erasmus to showcase a few debutants among the newcomers.
With notable absences like Eben Etzebeth and Handre Pollard, there is potential for young talents such as Riley Norton and Luan Giliomee to make their international debuts, as both are part of the six uncapped players in the touring squad.
Projected Line-Up for the Springboks
Expected South Africa Line-Up:
- 15 Damian Willemse
- 14 Ethan Hooker
- 13 Jesse Kriel
- 12 Damian de Allende
- 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse
- 10 Manie Libbok
- 9 Morne van den Berg
- 8 Jasper Wiese
- 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
- 6 Siya Kolisi (c)
- 5 Ruan Nortje
- 4 Lood de Jager
- 3 Thomas du Toit
- 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Bench: Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Riley Norton, Paul de Villiers, Grant Williams, Luan Giliomee, Canan Moodie.
Complete Squad for the Nations Championship’s Second Leg
Props: Thomas du Toit, Ox Nche (both Hollywoodbets Sharks); Wilco Louw, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen (all DHL Stormers); Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).
Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears); Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).
Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights); Salmaan Moerat (Stade Rochelais); Ruan Nortje (Kubota Spears); Riley Norton (DHL Stormers); Franco Mostert (Honda Heat).
Loose Forwards: Paul de Villiers, Siya Kolisi (both DHL Stormers); Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls); Emmanuel Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks); Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Utility Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz); Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls).
Scrumhalves: Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers); Morne van den Berg (10bet Lions); Grant Williams (Kobe Steelers).
Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (both DHL Stormers); Luan Giliomee (Vodacom Bulls); Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners).
Centres: Damian de Allende (Wild Knights); Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles); Markus Muller (DHL Stormers); Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).
Outside Backs: Sebastian de Klerk (Vodacom Bulls); Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe (all Hollywoodbets Sharks); Kurt-Lee Arendse (Mitsubishi Dynaboars); Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).
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