Erasmus Makes Whole Sale Changes Against Portugal

Lock Salmaan Moerat will be the 66th Springbok captain, leading a squad featuring seven uncapped players in their first-ever Test against Portugal.
This historic encounter, the final match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series in Bloemfontein on Saturday, will also be the first refereed by a woman, Scotland’s Hollie Davidson.
Moerat, previously captain of SA Schools, the Junior Springboks, and the DHL Stormers, takes the helm after just four players were retained from the team that faced Ireland: Kurt-Lee Arendse (wing), RG Snyman and Moerat (locks), and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (utility back).
The uncapped players in the starting lineup are former Junior Springbok captain Phepsi Buthelezi (flanker), Johan Grobbelaar (hooker), and Jan-Hendrik Wessels (prop). Andre-Hugo Venter (hooker), Ruan Venter (loose forward), Morne van den Berg (scrumhalf), and Quan Horn (fullback) could debut from the bench.
Portugal, a steadily rising team (from 27th in 2019 to 15th currently), impressed at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. “They’re a quality team, evident in their win over Fiji and draw against Georgia,” said coach Rassie Erasmus.
“We’ve selected a blend of experience and new talent, aiming to expand our squad depth with these debuts.”
Erasmus is confident in Moerat’s leadership: “Salmaan commands respect, and we have no doubt he’ll excel. His experience leading SA Rugby teams and the DHL Stormers speaks volumes.”
This match marks the return of World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am (centre), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Cobus Reinach (scrumhalf), Trevor Nyakane, and Thomas du Toit (props). Eight others featured against Wales in the season opener: Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Aphelele Fassi (fullback), Makazole Mapimpi (wing), Andre Esterhuizen (centre), Evan Roos, Ben-Jason Dixon (both loose forwards), Moerat, and Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop).
“Most of the younger players have Test experience or exposure to the squad,” Erasmus explained. “The uncapped players, except Ruan Venter, impressed in our June training session. We have full faith in them.”
“Experienced campaigners will guide the youngsters,” Erasmus continued. “We expect a fierce battle from Portugal, who will be highly motivated. We must deliver a top performance to win.”
“This is a chance to address last week’s issues and end the series on a high,” Erasmus concluded. “We respect Portugal and the occasion. There are no easy games in Test rugby, and we need to build momentum for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.”
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