Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will enter uncharted territory on Saturday when he sends out a Springbok team for a record-breaking 55th time as head coach – the most of any coach since South Africa’s first Test match in 1891.
Talented brothers Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka have made a decisive career move by joining the ever-expanding South African rugby roster at Roc Nation Sports International.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus stayed true to his objective to give as many players in his squad the opportunity to put up their hands at the highest level this season, as he made 10 changes to his starting team for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against Scotland in Pretoria.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said that the memories of a former defeat at Ellis Park helped power his side to a seven-try to three, 45-21 victory over England in an inaugural Nations Championship match at the same venue on Saturday.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Siya Kolisi said they are expecting to face a charged-up England outfit when the sides meet in their opening Nations Championship encounter at Ellis Park on Saturday, and suggested it would be a proper grind of a game.
Springbok loose forward Elrigh Louw has been called up to the national squad for the Nations Championship as additional forward cover and will join his teammates in Johannesburg.
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 wrapped up their Nations Championship training camp in Johannesburg on Thursday, and Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was satisfied that the necessary building blocks were in place as the squad prepares to switch into full Test mode before next week’s competition opener against England at Ellis Park.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expressed utmost respect for England as the Boks kicked off their preparations for the inaugural Nations Championship – that kicks off next weekend in Johannesburg – and spoke highly of their travelling squad and the threat they posed in the opening game.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Saturday evening named a 46-man squad featuring six uncapped players and a host of returning Vodacom Bulls players for the inaugural Nations Championship, which kicks off against England in Johannesburg on Saturday, 4 July.