Four World Cup winners return as Springboks name squad for end-of-year tour

The four Rugby World Cup winners make a welcome return after missing the recent Rugby Championship due to injury.

The Boks will face Scotland in Edinburgh (Sunday 10 November), England in London (Saturday 16 November) and Wales in Cardiff (Saturday 23 November) before taking a well-earned rest.

Esterhuizen has recovered from a shoulder injury, while Snyman returns following a foot injury, Mostert is back from a broken leg, and Willemse from a finger injury, and all four players will add valuable experience and skill to the squad.

Willemse's return marks his first time back in the Springbok squad this year after missing all 10 Tests thus far in 2024 due to injury.

The squad - which will once again be led by Siya Kolisi - will depart for a training camp in Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands between England and France, on Sunday. The group will then make the journey to Edinburgh a week later for their opening Test of the tour.

Players ruled out due to injury are Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Salmaan Moerat (both knees), Steven Kitshoff (neck) and Lood de Jager (shoulder).

Erasmus admitted it was no easy task whittling his squad down to 34 in a year when as many as 49 players have taken the field for the Boks.

"There's no doubt that there are several unlucky players who could easily have made the touring squad, but unfortunately we could only select 34 players," said the Bok coach.

"That said, this squad includes a healthy mix of youth and experience, with most of these players having made a strong statement in the Springbok jersey this year.

"It's also great to have RG, Franco, Andre, and Damian back in the mix after recovering from their injuries, and we are excited to see what impact they have on the field, especially after their disappointment of missing out on the Rugby Championship.

"Damian, Andre and RG all returned to action in the United Rugby Championship and have made a strong statement with their performances, and we all know what a work horse Franco is and the quality that he adds to the team, so there's no doubt they'll want to make their presence felt against quality opposition in Scotland, England and Wales, who are all ranked within the top 11 sides in the world."

Erasmus expected a completely different challenge from the northern hemisphere teams to that which they faced against New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia in the last few months.

"The November internationals always present a good challenge for us because the teams we will line up against are among the top sides in the world and they play a different brand of rugby to that which we faced in the Rugby Championship, which we enjoy because it tests us in a different way and allows us to grow as a team.

"The conditions in the northern hemisphere are also different, which is a new challenge all together, but we are excited about the tour and to see if we can build on what has been a rewarding season for the team so far."

The Boks are riding high after their World Cup and Rugby Championship wins but Erasmus realises that will count for little when the matches get under way.

"Obviously we'll take confidence from winning the Rugby Championship, but the reality is that's now history, and there's no doubt that will motivate the opposition even more to make a strong statement against us.

"Our URC teams have all travelled to the northern hemisphere already, so many of these players have been exposed to the conditions and as well as some of the players they will face in November, which is certainly beneficial to us.

"But that said, international rugby is a completely different kettle of fish and that always brings the best out of the teams, so we know it will take a massive effort to win over there."

Springbok squad for the end-of-year tour

Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese, Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse.

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