Rassie Erasmus culls Springbok squad ahead of second Test

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has trimmed his squad to 33 players in preparation for the remaining two Tests against England.

After taking a 1-0 series lead this weekend, Erasmus has decided to release prop Retshegofaditswe ‘Ox’ Nche, lock Jason Jenkins and loose forwards Kwagga Smith and Nizaam Carr from the original squad chosen for a one-off Wales Test and the England series.

Bulls prop Trevor Nyakane withdrew from the side just before the 42-39 triumph over England in Johannesburg Saturday and has since been ruled out of the series with a rib injury.

Veteran hooker Bismarck du Plessis joined Nyakane in pulling out before the first international after being injured playing for Montpellier in the French Top 14 final.

Fullback Curwin Bosch, wing Travis Ismaiel and scrumhalf Cameron Wright have also been released while an injury has sidelined France-based centre Francois Steyn.

The released players are all free to return to their club sides.

The second Test is at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein this Saturday and the third at Newlands stadium in Cape Town on June 23.

Springbok squad:

Forwards: Steven Kitshoff, Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain), Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Armand van der Merwe, Tendai Mtawarira, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Mahlatse Ralepelle, Thomas du Toit, Francois Mostert, Marvin Orie, Teboho Mohoje, Rudolph Snyman, Duane Vermeulen.

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Sibusiso Nkosi, Robert du Preez, Warrick Gelant, Jesse Kriel, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard, Ivan van Zyl, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Elton Jantjies, Damian de Allende, Francois de Klerk, Willie le Roux.

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