Faf de Klerk Test rugby

While the outcomes of the eight Tests scheduled for this weekend may be in doubt, there are at least 10 things sure to happen! Photo: EPA

New faces needed in injury-hit Springbok squad for end-of-year Tests

The Springbok squad for their three-Test end-of-year tour to the United Kingdom will be named on Tuesday, 19 October at 11:00.

Faf de Klerk Test rugby

While the outcomes of the eight Tests scheduled for this weekend may be in doubt, there are at least 10 things sure to happen! Photo: EPA

The Springbok squad for their three-Test end-of-year tour to the United Kingdom will be named on Tuesday, 19 October at 11:00.

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And fans can expect to see a number of new faces and names read out. 

The world champion Springboks will take on Wales (6 November), Scotland (13 November) and England (20 November) on consecutive Saturdays to end what was a hectic second half of 2021 having not played a single Test for 20 months.

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After winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan on 2 November of that year, the Springboks weren’t seen in action until 2 July 2021 when they took on Georgia ahead of their series against the British & Irish Lions.

Following that 2-1 victory, the Springboks headed into the Rugby Championship where they finished third overall.

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A number of players who did duty in both the British & Irish Lions series and the Rugby Championship have been ruled out of the upcoming tour.

They include Frans Malherbe, RG Snyman, Jaden Hendrikse, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg and Pieter-Steph du Toit.

In addition, it appears highly unlikely either of Cheslin Kolbe or Faf de Klerk will be declared fit to play.

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Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is expected to turn to Sharks scrumhalf Grant Williams as back-up for Herschel Jantjies and Cobus Reinach in the No 9 jersey.

Meanwhile, Stormers skipper Salmaan Moerat is also believed to be in the running for selection in what would complete an incredible recovery from a career-threatening neck injury. 

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