Injury Concerns and Fresh Faces: Springboks Announce Squad for Rugby Championship

South Africa's 33-player Rugby Championship squad includes forwards Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx despite injuries. Captain Siya Kolisi leads the team with returning lock Ruan Nortje. Several key players, including Jasper Wiese, are out due to injuries or suspensions. Coach Rassie Erasmus sees this as an opportunity to test new talents.

South Africa have included forwards Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx, despite injury concerns, in their 33-player squad for the opening two games of the Rugby Championship. Both players are expected to regain fitness in time for their respective matches against the Wallabies and Australia.

Led by captain Siya Kolisi, the squad also features returning lock Ruan Nortje, the only player in the group who missed the recent test series with Ireland and victory over Portugal. Notably absent are several senior players including Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn, Lood de Jager, Steven Kitshoff, Faf de Klerk, and Damian Willemse due to injuries.

Suspended Jasper Wiese and Andre Esterhuizen are also missing, with the latter awaiting the verdict of his disciplinary hearing. Their absence provides coach Rassie Erasmus an opportunity to explore new talents. “This is a quality group of players, blending youth and experience,” Erasmus said, looking forward to their matches against New Zealand and Argentina.