The Springbok squad for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Australia at Ellis Park this Saturday has been unveiled, and it's a powerhouse line-up packed with seasoned veterans, Cape town Etc reports.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a matchday squad boasting 18 Rugby World Cup champions, with only a handful of newcomers stepping onto the Test field.
Among the few fresh faces are utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels, wing Edwill van der Merwe, and prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, the latter making his international debut just last month against Italy. The trio represents the limited but promising youth in a team largely built on experience.
The Springboks are looking to extend a winning streak that already spans four consecutive victories over the Wallabies, including two wins in Australia last season. This match also holds personal significance for lock Eben Etzebeth, who is set to become South Africa's most capped player with his 134th Test appearance, moving into joint 10th place in the global rankings.
The backline promises excitement, featuring Aphelele Fassi joining wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe. In midfield, Jesse Kriel partners with Andre Esterhuizen, stepping in for Damian de Allende, who has been sidelined with a minor injury. The halfback duties will be shared between Manie Libbok and Grant Williams.