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Johan Grobbelaar one of two players called up by Springboks
By Ian Cameron
The Springboks have called up two players as injury replacements in their Autumn Nations Series squad.
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Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw were added to the touring party on Thursday after utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels withdrew due to injury.
Wessels, included in the initial 34-man squad, sustained an ankle injury during the Vodacom Bulls’ United Rugby Championship match against Scarlets last Saturday.
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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus subsequently called up Grobbelaar and Louw, both of whom are Wessels’ franchise teammates. Louw, who last played for the Springboks in 2021, joins Grobbelaar, a regular squad member this season, bringing the squad’s total to 35 players.
“It’s always sad to lose a player to injury and we wish Jan-Hendrik all the best on his road to recovery, but this opens up the door for Johan and Wilco to make their mark against quality opposition in Scotland, England and Wales,” said Erasmus.
“Jan-Hendrik offered us the luxury of serving as a prop and hooker, but with his versatility out of the picture, we decided to call up a specialist prop and hooker.
“Johan has been part of the squad this season and is really growing in his role and in the team, while Wilco has been delivering consistently superb performances for the Vodacom Bulls this season, and he has been knocking on the door for a while now, so I have no doubt he will want to grab this chance with both hands.
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“We are certainly excited to see what they bring to the squad, while Wilco’s inclusion also adds to our player stocks as we continue to build our squad depth.”
The Springboks will depart for a training camp in Jersey on Sunday, 27 October, before heading to Edinburgh on 3 November for their opening Test. They will face Scotland in Edinburgh on 10 November, England in London on 16 November, and Wales in Cardiff on 23 November as part of their end-of-year tour.
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
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Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster).
Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).
Not the news opposing scrum coaches wanted to hear. Wilco Louw is an absolute monster. You play him alongside Ox Nche and it's going to be carnage.
So the method reveals itself. Take one utility save two places. Lose one utility, bring another 2 over.
Also, interesting that the squad sizes are always 33/34/35 on tours. Practice for WC. You have to make a call. Don’t get comfortable in being able to take large groups when you don’t have that luxury at the World Cup.
Also, costs. It’s a good thing that we keep costs down.
Now down to two looseheads. Risky
du Toit will be the 3rd choice loosehead.
I am a bit surprised he didn't opt for Mchunu ahead of Louw, but I don't think du Toit is an especially risky option.