Erasmus names experienced Bok squad for Ireland Test
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named an experienced squad featuring 20 World Cup winners for their first Test against Ireland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The team showed eight changes to the one that defeated Wales 41-13 in London 10 days ago.
Erasmus welcomed back captain Siya Kolisi, Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Handré Pollard, Marco van Staden, RG Snyman and Gerhard Steenekamp.
Prop Steenekamp, lock Salmaan Moerat and utility back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu were included on the bench.
“This is the team we believe will give us the impetus we need against Ireland, who are the second highest ranked team in the world,” said Erasmus.
“We are blessed to have a lot of depth in our squad, and we are in a fortunate position to have several Rugby World Cup winners in our ranks who know what it takes to perform at the highest level and play against the best teams in the world.
“The fact that most of these guys have played together is a bonus for us, and most of them have faced Ireland before, so they are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead, especially since we haven’t beaten them since 2016.”
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