Springboks recall World Cup winners Kolisi and Kolbe for Ireland series

South Africa has announced their squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and the one-off match against Portugal. The squad is filled with World Cup winners, including Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, and Lukhanyo Am.

Despite speculation that young players would be given a chance against Ireland, coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for an expanded group of 39 players, with the possibility of some featuring against Portugal.

While there are three uncapped players in the squad, the majority of the team consists of players who were part of the victorious World Cup campaign in France last year. In addition, Erasmus has included 14 additional players who will train with the squad, keeping an eye on the future.

Erasmus explained the decision, stating, "We have selected the best available squad, and with our focus on squad depth for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, we believe it is beneficial to have a standby squad with a few players joining us intermittently in training over the next few weeks."

Despite a number of injuries, including key players such as Steven Kitshoff and Jean Kleyn, the return of overseas based and Bulls players is seen as a boost to the team. Erasmus praised the experience and composure they will bring, as well as the impressive performances of some of the young players during the recent test against Wales.

The captaincy for the first test against Ireland on July 6th in Pretoria is yet to be decided. The Springboks will face Ireland again in Durban before concluding their series with a match against Portugal in Bloemfontein on July 20th.

South Africa team
Forwards: Phepsi Buthelezi, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Evan Roos, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Wilie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams.