Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a strong starting 15-squad team for Saturday’s Castle Lager Incoming Series opener against Italy in Pretoria on Saturday.
Jesse Kriel, who led the team during a 54-7 win over the Barbarians in Cape Town last weekend, will captain the side for the first time in a Test in the absence of injured Siya Kolisi.
Kriel will become the 67th Springbok captain, and will be assisted by Eben Etzebeth, who just returned from injury, while 13 of the players were part of a team that demolished the Barbarians.
“We have a big squad, and we would like to balance the game time within the group, while at the same time maintaining continuity in selection, and we believe this is the team that will be best suited for what we want to achieve against Italy. We are also fortunate to have a few experienced players back from injury, who will be keen to make their mark in the game,” said Erasmus.
Notable inclusion is Rugby World Cup winner, Damian Willemse, who will be playing his first match in two years following a series of injuries.
The Test will mark a significant occasion for Damian Willemse, who returns to the Bok fold for the first time since the Rugby World Cup final after a series of injuries curtailed his 2024 season, while a suspension for a dangerous tackle saw him miss the outing against the Barbarians.
Willemse is expected to complete a back three with wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Damian de Allende and Kriel retain their places in the midfield.
Faf de Klerk, who last played for the team against Ireland in 2024, also makes a welcome return to the squad, including Jasper Wiese. Erasmus said the absence of Kolisi is not a crisis for the team, as is it has several experienced leaders.
Siya unfortunately picked up a niggle, but Marco van Staden did a good job at flanker last week and he is one of the core players in our team, so we are blessed to have such depth in the squad.
If one goes through this team, there are so many leaders, and we were impressed with how Jesse accepted the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband last week.
“He is a player who leads by example on and off the field, and he thoroughly deserves this honour,” explained Erasmus. Vincent Tshituka will make his Test debut in an experienced, after his scintillating form against the Barbarians at the weekend where he scored two tries.
Erasmus heaped praise at Tshikuta, who just recently obtained his ID to make him eligible to wear the green and gold.
“Vincent has fitted into our structures well. He showed last week that he has the potential to play Test rugby, so we are excited to see what he can do against Italy and to see him make his debut,” explained Erasmus.
