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Rassie Erasmus culls Springbok squad ahead of second Test


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

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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.

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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.

In other news:

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Phantom 37 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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