The Springboks will be facing Wales in Cardiff without Ox Nche, who has been withdrawn from the team due to a leg injury sustained in the previous match against England. As a result, Wilco Louw will be starting in his place at tighthead prop for the second consecutive Test match. Thomas du Toit will be shifting to loosehead prop to accommodate Louw’s inclusion in the starting lineup. The rest of the Springbok bench remains unchanged from the initial selection.
Rassie Erasmus, the Bok boss, emphasized the importance of resting Nche after his stellar performances throughout the season. Louw, who made his 15th Test appearance last week, will be stepping up once again to maintain the consistency in the front row. Erasmus also announced that four players who were not included in the matchday squad for the Wales Test will be returning home to spend time with their families before resuming their club and franchise commitments.
Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, and Makazole Mapimpi are the players who will be heading home. Despite the absence of these players, Erasmus is confident in the squad’s depth to cover all positions in case of injuries before the match. The updated Springbok team to face Wales includes Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse, Jasper Wiese, Elrigh Louw, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn, Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, and Thomas du Toit. The bench consists of Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, and Handre Pollard.
