Francois Louw and Damian Williemse included in South Africa squad for Rugby Championship
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has named three uncapped players in the 35-man squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship tournament.
South Africa U20 fly-half Damian Willemse gets his chance while the absence of Duane Vermeulen sees openside flank Francois Louw recalled.Lwazi Mvovo is also in contention following injuries to Sbu Nkosi and Warrick Gelant.
Erasmus has retained Siya Kolisi as the captain after he successfully led the Springboks to a 2-1 series victory at home while Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth are making a comeback from their respective injuries.
“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 (Marx) has regained his good form with the Lions since recovering from his injury,” Erasmus said in a statement.
“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’ 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 Super Rugby.”
Meanwhile, Sharks flanker Jean-Luc Preez will undergo a fitness test with Damian de Allende, Lood de Jager, Trevor Nyakane and Coenie Oosthuizen unavailable for selection due to injuries.
South Africa will kick-start the tournament with a clash against Argentina on 18th August in Durban.
South Africa squad:
Forwards: Cyle Brink, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas 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 Cronjé, Faf de Klerk, Aphiwe Dyantyi, André Esterhuizen, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Lionel Mapoe, Lwazi Mvovo, Embrose Papier, Handré Pollard, Ivan van Zyl, Damian Willemse.
