How many first-choice players are the Springboks missing?

The headline feature in the latest Springbok squad announcement is of course the inclusion of six uncapped players, but some of these opportunities have also arisen as a result of injuries.

Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth and Andre Esterhuizen – who are all ‘first-choice’ players in the regular 23 – have been ruled out of contention for selection.

RG Snyman and Kwagga Smith, who would also feature in the Springbok matchday squad more often than not when fit, remain unavailable.

Handre Pollard has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury, although he has perhaps fallen to third on the pecking order.

Springboks confident of contending with injuries

Of the injured players omitted from the travelling squad, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said: “It’s always sad to lose players of that calibre, but we are pleased with the cover we have in those positions, and it also offers other players the opportunity to put up their hands.

“The majority of the players in this group have been with us for most of the season and know what our expectations are, and also what to anticipate at this level, so we are excited about the group we’ve selected for this vital leg of the season.”

The Springboks currently lead the Southern Hemisphere standings in the Nations Championship on points’ difference, as they are tied on 15 points with New Zealand.

South Africa will line up against Italy (7 November), France (13 November), and Ireland (21 November) before the Finals Weekend in London (27-29 November).

The Springboks’ 37-man squad will assemble in Italy in different groups on Sunday and Monday.

Squad for second leg of Nations Championship

Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Ox Nché, Wilco Louw, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen, Gerhard Steenekamp, Malcolm Marx, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Lood de Jager, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortjé, Riley Norton, Franco Mostert, Paul de Villiers, Siya Kolisi, Cameron Hanekom, Emmanuel Tshituka, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden.
Backs: Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg, Grant Williams, Yaqeen Ahmed, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Luan Giliomee, Manie Libbok, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Markus Muller, Canan Moodie, Sebastian de Klerk, Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse.