Springboks pick a decent mix but captaincy still a mystery

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus duly brought back a few veterans for national duty against Wales and England from next week onwards but there’s still no indication on who his captain will be.

A 43-man squad with minimal surprises was announced on Saturday evening, with Bismarck du Plessis and Duane Vermeulen both getting the nod to probably fill two huge voids at hooker and No 8 respectively due to Malcolm Marx and Warren Whiteley’s injuries.

Erasmus will name his skipper on Monday.

Other overseas-based players to crack the nod is the nippy scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, mercurial fullback Willie le Roux and the enigmatic utility back Frans Steyn.

Some of Super Rugby’s best-performing black players were also rewarded with inclusion.

The Sharks trio of Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi and Sbu Nkosi provide pace and guile while Lions rookie Aphiwe Dyantyi will also get a taste of the Bok camp.

Trevor Nyakane’s good form will see him become a vital, versatile cog in the front row, while Erasmus is clearly also investing in future projects such as the young duo of Ox Nche (prop) and Embrose Papier (scrumhalf).

The Bok coach decided to groom a whackful of uncapped locks in RG Snyman, Marvin Orie and Jason Jenkins.

This is due to experienced, first-choice options Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager still being on the sidelines.

Springbok squad:

Forwards: Nizaam Carr, Bismarck du Plessis, Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Jason Jenkins, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Oupa Mohoje, Franco Mostert, Beast Mtawarira, Ox Nche, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Akker van der Merwe, Duane Vermeulen.

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Curwin Bosch, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Robert du Preez, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Andre Esterhuizen, Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Sbu Nkosi, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard, Frans Steyn, Ivan van Zyl, Cameron Wright.