Springboks Call Up Five For Portugal Test

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus added five players to the squad for their final against Portugal in Bloemfontein on Saturday. The 41-man group includes seven uncapped players.
Injuries ruled out Franco Mostert (lock) and Edwill van der Merwe (wing), with details to be confirmed on Monday. Damian de Allende (center) left camp for personal reasons.
Capped players Elrigh Louw (loose forward) and Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop) joined the group alongside uncapped Quan Horn (fullback), Andre-Hugo Venter (hooker), and Ruan Venter (loose forward) who attended previous alignment camps.
Erasmus will release some players on Wednesday after finalizing on-field preparations for the historic Test at Toyota Stadium.
The Springboks arrived in Bloemfontein on Sunday and begin training Monday, aiming to bounce back from their 25-24 loss to Ireland in Durban.
“Exposing new players to top-level rugby aligns with our 2027 Rugby World Cup depth-building goals,” Erasmus said. “Several gained experience against Wales and Ireland, and Andre-Hugo Venter toured with us to London. Portugal, who defeated Fiji in the Rugby World Cup, will be a strong opponent. We’ll select a quality team to get our season back on track.”
Erasmus added that released players will continue training the team, a valuable aspect of their preparation.
While disappointed by the Ireland loss, Erasmus acknowledged the importance of rest before the demanding Castle Lager Rugby Championship. The Boks face back-to-back Tests against Australia, followed by home Tests versus New Zealand, a trip to Argentina, and conclude against the Pumas in Nelspruit.
“It’s a long season,” Erasmus said. “While winning both Ireland Tests would’ve been ideal, managing players for peak performance throughout is crucial. Released players will have a 10-day break before rejoining the squad for the Championship.”
Erasmus will announce the team to face Portugal on Tuesday.
Springbok squad for the match against Portugal:
Props: Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (both Vodacom Bulls), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Thomas du Toit (Bath).
Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), RG Snyman (Leinster).
Loose forwards: Siya Kolisi (Racing 92), Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden (both Vodacom Bulls), Phepsi Buthelezi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos (both DHL Stormers), Ruan Venter (Emirates Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions).
Flyhalves: Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok (both DHL Stormers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions).