JOHANNESBURG. – Springbok backs Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse will celebrate their 50th Test caps in the Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park on July 4, with coach Rassie Erasmus naming an experienced squad for the encounter.
The Springboks will field a lineup combining tried and tested combinations with exciting replacements. Captain Siya Kolisi will lead the side for the 72nd time, supported by Test centurions Eben Etzebeth and Kolisi in the pack.
Malcolm Marx will pack down at hooker alongside props Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit, with Ruan Nortje completing the middle row. The backline features Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wing, Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende in the midfield, and halfback pairing Manie Libbok and Grant Williams.
Erasmus opted for a split bench of five forwards and three backs. Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager are unavailable due to injury and illness, while Riley Norton was released after picking up an injury during training.
Ethan Hooker will join the squad in Johannesburg on Monday after recovering from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him since April.
“England are a quality outfit, and we are expecting them to give everything they have in this match,” Erasmus said. “The players have worked very hard at training, and they know what it takes to perform against a side of this calibre.”
Erasmus highlighted the significance of Kolbe and Willemse’s milestone. “They have both been stalwarts for us over the years, and as a team we would like to make it a memorable day for them. It’s not every day you have two players playing their 50th Test.”
The match kicks off at 17:40 SAST and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
