Erasmus pleased with Boks blend for Rugby Championship

Rassie Erasmus feels he has a nice blend of experience and youth in South Africa’s Rugby Championship squad.

Uncapped trio Damian Willemse, Cyle Brink and Marco van Staden are among the names in a 35-man squad.

Malcolm Marx, Warren Whiteley, Ross Cronje and Lionel Mapoe return to the fold along with Eben Etzebeth.

Francois Louw and Lwazi Mvovo are also back in the squad, with Siya Kolisi retaining the captaincy.

Springboks director of rugby Erasmus said: “Eben and Warren have been out of the Bok mix for a while because of injury so it’s very pleasing to have them back in the squad, while Malcolm has regained his good form with the Emirates Lions since recovering from his injury.

“We saw the benefit and impact of Willie le Roux and Faf de Klerk in the squad during the June internationals and I want ‘Flo’ [Louw] to perform a similar role for us.

“It is also pleasing to again add some young players who been showing good form and consistency for their franchise teams during Vodacom Super Rugby

South Africa squad:

Forwards: Cyle Brink, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi (captain) Francois Louw, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Marvin Orie, RG Snyman, Akker van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Warren Whiteley.

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Ross Cronje, Faf de Klerk, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Andre Esterhuizen, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Lionel Mapoe, Lwazi Mvovo, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard, Ivan van Zyl, Damian Willemse.