The Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made a handful of changes to their squad for the double-header against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship.

Steven Kitshoff, Canan Moodie, and Jaden Hendrikse are all included after sufficiently recovering from injuries. Kitshoff, Moodie, and Hendrikse have all been playing Currie Cup rugby for their respective provinces over the last couple of weeks. Moodie made his return to the field in the 34-34 draw against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein two weeks ago, while last week Hendrikse was outstanding for the Sharks in the 25-20 victory against the Free State at the Toyota Stadium.

In addition, the former Cheetah, Jasper Wiese as well as André Esterhuizen have served out their respective suspensions and have been included. There was also a surprise inclusion for the Montpellier lock, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, who gets a recall to the squad after playing one Test back in 2021.

André Esterhuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

Erasmus said it’s great to be able to bolster their squad with players returning from injury and suspension. “It’s good to have Steven, Jaden, and Canan back from injury, along with Jasper and André,” said Erasmus.

“They are all Rugby World Cup winners, who have delivered quality performances consistently against the top teams in the world, so they’ll bring experience and their unique skillsets to this squad.

“As a team, we are in a good position in terms of squad depth with 32 of the 33 players on tour playing against the Wallabies – the only exception was RG Snyman who suffered a foot niggle – and we have full faith in the young players to showcase their talent once again against a completely different opponent in New Zealand.

Jasper Wiese. Photo: Morgan Piek

Erasmus added that Janse van Rensburg has shown good form for his club in France and they are excited to have him back in the mix as well.

“Adding to that, all these players, with the exception of Nicolaas, were members of our training squad in Pretoria in July and our alignment camps earlier in the year, and they have been regular members of the squad in the last few years, so they understand our systems and should slot in with ease.

“Nicolaas has had a good season with Montpellier and is a capped Springbok, so we are excited to welcome him back into the fold.”

Next week Saturday’s Test between the Springboks and All Blacks at Ellis Park kicks off at 17:00.

Props – Thomas du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Hookers – Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi

Locks –  Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortjé, RG Snyman, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg

Loose forwards – Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese

 Scrumhalves –  Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams

 Flyhalves – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, Handré Pollard

Centres – Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, André Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel

Outside backs – Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg