Cobus Reinach Set for 50th Springboks Test as Rassie Erasmus Names Team vs Wales
- Rassie Erasmus announced the Springboks squad to play against Wales this coming weekend
- The starting XV comprised nine changes, as several key players had returned to their overseas clubs and rugby unions
- Cobus Reinach set to achieve a personal milestone and earn his 50th Test cap
The Springboks squad to play against Wales this coming Saturday, 29 November 2025, was announced by head coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday, 27 November.
Erasmus made nine changes to the team that defeated Ireland last weekend in Dublin, a win that was the first on Irish soil since 2012 and a first ever over Ireland for Erasmus.
Source: Getty Images
Most key players are missing from the squad as they have returned to their clubs overseas and to rugby unions, as the match falls outside the international window. Eight new players were named in the starting XV, and one had to be a positional adjustment.
Three of the players who were in the starting squad last weekend found themselves on the bench. Scrumhalf Cobus Reinach will accomplish a personal milestone as he earns his 50th test cap.
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Key players missing from the Springboks squad
Recently named World Rugby Men’s 15 Player of the Year, Malcolm Marx, leads the notable absentees from the team, including Thomas du Toit, Jesse Kriel, Boan Venter, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, and Cheslin Kolbe. Edwil van der Merwe misses out as well, as he returned to South Africa after he became a new dad over the weekend.
Kolisi leads the squad with Reinach playing 50th test match
Captain Siya Kolisi will lead the team in the last Test. He will be joined by a crop of players from last weekend's game, including fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ruan Nortje (lock), Jasper Wiese (No 8), Canan Moodie (wing), Damian de Allende (centre), and Damian Willemse (fullback).
Erasmus has opted for a formidable front row featuring hooker Johan Grobbelaar alongside props Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp, the latter earning his first Test start. Behind them, Jean Kleyn and Ruben Nortje anchor the tight five, with Kolisi, Franco Mostert, and Jasper Wiese rounding out a hard-working loose trio.
In the backline, the playmaking duties fall to Morne van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback. Andre Esterhuizen, operating in his hybrid role, partners with Damian de Allende in midfield, while Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker line up out wide. Damian Willemse once again slots in at fullback to complete the starting XV.
Source: Getty Images
Erasmus expressed his delight at Reinach reaching the milestone of 50 Tests, noting that he made his debut in 2014. He described Cobus as a true team player and a standout performer both this season and over the years, and said the team was thrilled to see him achieve this landmark.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu fires back after ‘windgat’ claims
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok sensation Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has fired a pointed response at critics who have branded him “arrogant” and “windgat”, turning the noise into fuel after another standout performance for South Africa.
He posted a carousel of match moments on Instagram on Saturday, the very incidents that had dominated online chatter.
Source: Briefly News
