Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Monday made only two changes to his starting team that defeated the All Blacks in Johannesburg for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series decider in Baltimore on Saturday, with Damian Willemse replacing the injured Cheslin Kolbe at fullback, and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg being drafted into the starting team.
Springbok backs Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse will mark the opening Test of the season against England in the inaugural Nations Championship competition by celebrating their 50th Test caps eight years after making their international debuts in an experienced team named by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
The Springboks secured a victory in Dublin for the first time in 13 years following their 24-13 win over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
Experienced utility back Damian Willemse said the Springboks must be dialled in and ready for anything Ireland throw at them when the teams cross paths at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday in the penultimate Test of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour.
Enjoy an image gallery of the Springboks as they handed the All Blacks their biggest defeat ever at the Sky Stadium in Wellington.
The Springboks hand the All Blacks their heaviest defeat ever following their 43-10 victory in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test in Wellington.
Four Rugby World Cup winners, Damian Willemse, Andre Esterhuizen, RG Snyman and Franco Mostert, will make a welcome return to the Springbok squad for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour in November after missing the recent Castle Lager Rugby Championship due to injury.
Five members of the Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok squad in France – Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Frans Malherbe and Damian Willemse – were nominated for the coveted SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Award for 2023, with Etzebeth up to defend the title he won last season.
Springbok flyhalf Damian Willemse is pleased with his overall contribution to helping the Springboks secure their first win over England in eight years.
Trevor Nyakane and Jesse Kriel are both confident that there is more than enough depth for the Springboks to have a successful Rugby Championship campaign without Handre Pollard or Lukhanyo Am.