The Springboks are well on their way to preparing for their first test match of the year against Wales at Twickenham Stadium.
Rugby coach Rachis Erasmus has named his squad for the opening match against Warren Gatland’s England, and although the match is not part of the official World Rugby schedule, the England manager has still named an impressive training squad.
Andre Esterhuizen gives Springbok momentum
Several Japan-based stars have been allowed to join the team in Pretoria and will be available for selection.
However, Erasmus is unable to select players from England and France due to the lack of a mandatory nine-man roster, and with the French season still ongoing, two-time World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is yet to be included in the squad.
The Bulls are still in contention for a place in the URC final, which takes place on the same day as their match against Wales, but none of Jake White’s star players are in the squad, with Cherimpilo Gumede only joining after Cheslin Colby was injured.
Leicester Tigers stars Handre Pollard and Jasper Wiese were also included in the squad but only for training purposes, with the former unavailable for selection as the match was played outside the deadline and the latter unavailable due to suspension.
Harlequins centre Andre Esterhuizen is also a notable addition to the squad after his Premiership season and is set to join the Sharks next season.
Unlike Pollard, Planet Rugby understands Esterhuizen has a contract to join the Sharks next season and therefore could be available for Erasmus to use in the test against Wales.
It was initially unclear whether the powerful midfielder would be available to Erasmus and his coaching staff, but when pressed for further details it was confirmed that Esterhuizen, if selected, could pull on the green and gold on June 22. His availability would open up the Springboks’ midfield options with Lukhanyo Am and Canan Moody sidelined.
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What it means for Jasper Wiese
It is sure to have a knock-on effect for Wiese, who will play in one of eight matches of a suspension he served after receiving a red card in Leicester’s final Premier League game.
There were reservations about the Wales and Portugal matches when the RFU confirmed the length of the Japan-bound No.8’s disciplinary hearing, but Esterhuizen does not appear to be bound by World Rugby’s Regulation 9 and the same will likely apply to Wiese.
If the test matches against Wales and Portugal did not factor into Wiese’s suspension, the back-row would miss not only the two test matches against Ireland, but also the two Rugby Championship matches against Australia and New Zealand.
Erasmus included 11 uncapped players in his first official training squad of the year, and Gumede’s call-up brings that number to 12.
read more: Winners and losers announced from Springbok training squad, URC’s top tackler excluded
