RWC winners return as Boks name squad for November tour

Utility back Damian Willemse, centre Andre Esterhuizen, and locks RG Snyman and Franco Mostert were included in Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ 34-man squad on Tuesday. 

The Boks will face Scotland in Edinburgh (Sunday 10 November), England in London (Saturday 16 November) and Wales in Cardiff (Saturday 23 November) on their traditional end-of-year tour.

Esterhuizen has recovered from a shoulder injury, while Snyman returns following a foot injury. Mostert is back from a broken leg, and Willemse from a finger injury. 

Willemse’s return marks his first time back in the Springbok squad this year after missing all 10 Tests thus far in 2024 due to injury.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Salmaan Moerat (both knee injuries), Steven Kitshoff (neck), and Lood de Jager (shoulder) have been ruled out due to injury. 

Erasmus’ squad includes 18 forwards and 16 backs.

“There’s no doubt that there are several unlucky players who could easily have made the touring squad, but unfortunately, we could only select 34 players,” said Erasmus.

“That said, this squad includes a healthy mix of youth and experience, with most of these players having made a strong statement in the Springbok jersey this year.

“It’s also great to have RG, Franco, Andre, and Damian back in the mix after recovering from their injuries, and we are excited to see what impact they have on the field, especially after their disappointment of missing out on the Rugby Championship.”

England are currently the highest-ranked of the Boks’ opponents, in fifth place on the world rankings, with Scotland in seventh place and Wales in 11th place.

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Erasmus expected a completely different challenge from the northern hemisphere teams to that which they faced against New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia in the last few months.

“The Castle Lager Outgoing Tour is always a tough test because it marks the end of our international season and the beginning of their season,” said Erasmus.

“That said, the November internationals always present a good challenge for us because the teams we will line up against are among the top sides in the world, and they play a different brand of rugby to that which we faced in the Rugby Championship, which we enjoy because it tests us in a different way and allows us to grow as a team.

“The conditions in the northern hemisphere are also different, which is a new challenge altogether, but we are excited about the tour and to see if we can build on what has been a rewarding season for the team so far.”

While Erasmus was hopeful that the Boks could finish the year on a high note, especially after suffering only two defeats in their ten matches this season – both by only one point against Argentina and Ireland – he admitted that it would take a gallant effort by his charges.

“We are under no illusions about the quality of the opposition we will face, and we have experienced first-hand how their home crowds lift them, much like our passionate supporters, so we know what it will take to be successful over there,” he said.

“Fortunately, we have a squad that believes in themselves and their abilities, and that will be vital as we enter these matches.

“Obviously we’ll take confidence from winning the Rugby Championship, but the reality is that’s now history, and there’s no doubt that will motivate the opposition even more to make a strong statement against us.”