Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his SA ‘A’ counterpart Vincent Tshituka braced themselves for challenging encounters as the international seasons kicks off on Saturday with a thrilling double-header at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, saying both teams will bring a fighting spirit.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick named quality teams for their opening matches of the season against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe on Saturday in Gqeberha, with the teams being led by Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka.
The Springboks have bolstered their lock stocks with the call-up of Adre Smith to the national squad with an eye on the match against the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ team’s clash against Zimbabwe on Saturday, 20 June in Gqeberha.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was content with the foundation laid in the Boks’ first week of training as his charges wrapped up their on-field preparations with their final training session in Johannesburg.
Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie have been called up to the Springbok squad and will join the camp in Johannesburg in the next two days, along with the DHL Stormers players following their return from Ireland, where they played in the Vodacom URC semi-final over the weekend.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named an exciting 51-man squad – featuring 21 uncapped players for the team’s first training camp of the season, starting in Johannesburg on Monday.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was satisfied that the necessary building blocks were in place for the international season as the team wrapped up their second and final alignment camp before their on-field preparations begin in June.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named a “purpose and goal-driven” 40-man squad for the team’s second in-person alignment camp in Cape Town next week, featuring two players invited to their first camp in Sibabalwe Mahashe and Zekhethelo Siyaya.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus added two new players to the group who will attend the first virtual Springbok alignment camp, with former Junior Springboks Carlü Sadie and JJ van der Mescht being among the 21 players from around the world who have cracked the nod.
Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx capped off a remarkable season by being crowned SA Rugby Player of the Year for 2025.