Springboks Name Power-Packed 37-Man Squad for Wallabies Showdown

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a dynamic 37-man squad for the first two matches of the 2025 Castle Lager Rugby Championship, as South Africa prepares to face Australia in Johannesburg (16 August) and Cape Town (23 August).

The squad features a core of 24 Rugby World Cup winners, five players who debuted in the recent July series, and three Junior Springbok standouts who helped secure the U20 World Championship title.

“We always said we’d go with a smaller, more manageable squad for the Rugby Championship,” said Erasmus. “It’s never easy trimming it down, especially with how the group performed during the Incoming Series.”

Three Junior Boks Called Up for Immersion Camp

Bathobele Hlekani, Cheswill Jooste, and Haashim Pead have been included in a two-week Johannesburg training camp to integrate them into the senior squad environment. While they aren’t officially part of the matchday squad, Erasmus views this exposure as vital for long-term squad development.

“Building depth is one of our key pillars,” Erasmus noted. “And there’s no better way to test younger players than against top international opposition.”

Five July Debutants Retained

The five players who made their Test debuts in July, Ethan Hooker, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, and Cobus Wiese, retain their spots following an unbeaten home series that impressed fans and selectors alike.

Bath prop Thomas du Toit has been rested under Premiership protocols, while No 8 Jasper Wiese is unavailable due to a four-week suspension.

Several experienced players, including Faf de Klerk, Lukhanyo Am, and Makazole Mapimpi, have been released to play Currie Cup rugby but remain on standby for potential call-ups.

Springbok Squad Highlights

• 24 Rugby World Cup winners
• 5 recent debutants
• 3 Junior Springbok talents
• Standby stars include Faf de Klerk, Lukhanyo Am, and Salmaan Moerat
• First two Tests: Australia (16 & 23 August)
• Final fixtures: New Zealand (September), Argentina (27 Sept, 4 Oct)

Erasmus emphasised the importance of depth and versatility across the squad: “We have at least three players who can cover every position. It’s crucial in a tournament like this.”

With New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina all ranked inside the world’s top seven, Erasmus acknowledged the challenge ahead:

“This is a completely different kettle of fish. We need to be mentally and physically ready for what’s to come.”

Full Springbok Squad for the 2025 Rugby Championship (vs Australia):

Forwards:
Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese

Backs:
Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse

What’s Next for the Boks?

The Springboks will host Australia in:

• Johannesburg – 16 August
• Cape Town – 23 August

The squad to tour New Zealand will be announced in early September. The final rounds of the Rugby Championship will see South Africa face Argentina in Durban (27 September) and London (4 October).