Rassie Erasmus Details the Qualities Behind Six New Springboks Selections

• Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named a 37-man squad for the team's final four Tests of the season, including six uncapped call-ups
• The new players include lock Riley Norton, flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed and winger Sebastian de Klerk, among others
• South Africa face Italy, France and Ireland in the European leg of the Nations Championship before a finals weekend in London

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has backed six new additions to the national squad, saying each player has earned their place through sustained performances at franchise level.

Lock Riley Norton, loose forward Emmanuel Tshituka, flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, centre Markus Muller, winger Sebastian de Klerk and utility back Luan Giliomee were included in the 37-man squad announced on Wednesday for the Springboks' final four Tests of the season.

Six Players Who Earned Their Stripes

Erasmus said all six had been on the coaching staff's radar for some time. "We've had all six players on our radar for a while now, and they've delivered consistently for their respective franchises in the last two seasons, so they thoroughly deserve their call-ups," he said.

Read also

Springboks: Rassie Erasmus names 6 uncapped players in 37-man Nations Championship squad

Three of the new faces, Norton, Giliomee and Ahmed, bring additional pedigree from the junior ranks, having featured in Junior Springbok squads that lifted the Junior World Championship title. Giliomee also represented the Blitzboks at sevens level.

"We've seen what most of them are capable of first-hand in our season-opening matches and at our training camps, so we are delighted to see what they have to offer on this tour," Erasmus added.

Intense Competition Awaits in Europe

The Springboks will travel to Europe to face Italy, France and Ireland as part of the Nations Championship, before a finals weekend in London at the end of November. Erasmus acknowledged that stepping up to elite international level would present a different kind of challenge for the newcomers.

"There is no doubt facing some of the top teams in elite international rugby will be a completely different challenge, but we have full faith in them to do their best on tour," he said.

With competition points now at stake across every match, Erasmus stressed the importance of starting well. "This is an intense competition and every point counts, and every team we face as well as those in our pool will be wary of that, so we have a big job ahead, and it will be important to hit the ground running."

Read also

Springboks Nations Championship squad: Who’s likely to make Rassie Erasmus’ cut?

The squad is set to assemble in Italy in groups across Sunday and Monday ahead of the opening fixture.

Source: Briefly News