South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus will be without World Cup-winning trio Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, and Handre Pollard for the Nations Championship, rte.ie reported. The Springboks assemble next week in Dublin for a three-game window against Italy, France, and Ireland before the tournament finals weekend at Twickenham at the end of November.
Erasmus Names Six New Faces Amid Injury Absences
Reigning world champions South Africa must play the tournament without several marquee names. Outside back Cheslin Kolbe has not featured since the third test against New Zealand in September. Lock Eben Etzebeth is unavailable despite playing for the Sharks against Leinster and the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Out-half Handre Pollard is nursing an injury after starting the Bulls’ 34-26 win over Ulster, while centre Andre Esterhuizen was helped off the field during the Sharks’ win in Edinburgh.
To offset these losses, Erasmus included six new call-ups in his 37-man group. Yaqeen Ahmed, Sebastian de Klerk, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Riley Norton, and Emmanuel Tshituka earned selection. Ahmed, Giliomee, Muller, and Tshituka previously represented the South Africa ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe. Norton played for the Boks in an uncapped test against the Barbarians, and De Klerk attended Erasmus’ alignment camps last season.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nations Championship Squads
When do the Springboks face Ireland in Dublin?
The Springboks play Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on November 21, closing out their three-game autumn window before the Twickenham finals.
Which uncapped players earned call-ups for South Africa?
Erasmus selected six new faces for his 37-man group: Yaqeen Ahmed, Sebastian de Klerk, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Riley Norton, and Emmanuel Tshituka.
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