Faf still out injured, Moodie returns in latest Springbok squad
Faf de Klerk has been deemed to not yet be fit to return to action for the Springboks, while Canan Moodie, who was in action for the Bulls against the Pumas on August 16, makes a return from injury.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus earlier today announced a new 37-man squad for the upcoming Castle Lager Rugby Championship tests against New Zealand, with Faf de Klerk still out due to injury while Canan Moodie and others return.
Erasmus has recalled six players back to the Bok squad for the All Blacks test matches on August 31 and September 7, with the squad size increased from 33 to 37 players.
The new squad includes 31 of the 33 players that toured to Australia for the Boks’ two opening Rugby Championship encounters.
This while Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf), Canan Moodie (utility back), Jasper Wiese (no 8), Andre Esterhuizen (centre) and Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (lock) have all been called back to the squad.
Morne van den Berg and Johan Grobbelaar are the two men who toured to Australia that have been excluded from the new squad.
This is due to Hendrikse’s return from injury while Jan-Hendrik Wessels is equally adept at prop and hooker.
Kitshoff (knee), Hendrikse (shoulder) and Moodie (finger) have all recovered fully from their respective injuries and have played in the Carling Currie Cup. Moodie most recently featured for the table-topping Blue Bulls in their victory over the Airlink Pumas at Mbombela Stadium on August 16.
Moodie was a key feature in the Bulls’ victory, making 42m in his carries with six carries across the gainline, two clean breaks, and a try-assist all contributing to a fine outing for the young utility back. He will undoubtedly be welcomed back into the Springbok setup with open arms.
De Klerk is still out injured though, awaiting his return to the Boks. He misses out along with Mostert, Lood de Jager and Jean Kleyn, Evan Roos and Herschel Jantjies.
“New Zealand are ranked third in the world, and they always test us to the limit,” said Erasmus.
“We also saw last week what they can do under pressure when they defeated Argentina 42-10 after going down in their first test against [Argentina].
“We know these two tests will provide a completely different challenge to what we’ve faced against an Australian team that is still finding their feet with a new coach and a bunch of young players coming through the ranks.”
