Bulls flyer Luan Giliomee has been included in the Springboks squad for the Nations Championship matches.

Image: Backpagepix

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus on Wednesday named six uncapped players in a 37-man squad for the second leg of the Nations Championship in November, placing significant faith in South Africa’s emerging talent as the world champions prepare for their final four Tests of the season.

Former Junior Springbok stars Yaqeen Ahmed, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, and former Junior Bok captain Riley Norton have all been handed their first senior national call-ups, alongside domestic performers Sebastian de Klerk and Emmanuel Tshituka.

The decision to blood these young prospects is two-fold, with Erasmus’s trying to accelerate squad depth and continuity, while also nursing injuries to a few key players.

All six players have previously spent time within the national setup. Ahmed, Giliomee, Muller, and Tshituka featured for the SA ‘A’ side against Zimbabwe earlier this year, while Norton featured against the Barbarians in the season-opening showcase. De Klerk returns to the mix after attending national alignment camps last season.

Erasmus emphasised that their inclusion is a direct reward for domestic consistency and proven age-group credentials.

"We’ve had all six players on our radar for a while now, and they’ve delivered consistently for their respective franchises in the last two seasons, so they thoroughly deserve their call-ups," said Erasmus.

"Building squad depth has always been one of our key pillars as a team, and all those players have shown that they have what it takes to compete at top franchise level. Crucially, Riley, Luan, and Yaqeen were also part of Junior Springbok squads that have won the Junior World Championship, while Luan also played for the Blitzboks, so they know what it takes to perform at the top level.

"There is no doubt facing some of the top teams in elite international rugby will be a completely different challenge, but we have full faith in them to do their best on tour."

The youthful additions will feature alongside an experienced core led by captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Damian de Allende. The core group secured top spot in the Nations Championship Southern Series in July with victories over England, Scotland, and Wales, before lifting the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy.

However, the Boks will be without several senior key figures, with Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, André Esterhuizen, and Handré Pollard all ruled out through injury.

"It’s always sad to lose players of that calibre, but we are pleased with the cover we have in those positions, and it also offers other players the opportunity to put up their hands," Erasmus added. "The majority of the players in this group have been with us for most of the season and know what our expectations are, so we are excited about the group we’ve selected."

South Africa currently lead the Southern Hemisphere standings in the Nations Championship on points difference, tied on 15 points with New Zealand.

The Springboks will line up against Italy on November 7, France on November 13, and Ireland on November 21, before heading to London for the Finals Weekend from November 27 to 29.

Springbok Squad for November Nations Championship

Props: Thomas du Toit, Ox Nche (both Sharks), Wilco Louw, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen (all Stormers), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls).

Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls).

Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Salmaan Moerat (La Rochelle), Ruan Nortje (Kubota Spears), Riley Norton (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat).

Loose Forwards: Paul de Villiers, Siya Kolisi (both Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Emmanuel Tshituka (Sharks), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).

Utility Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Marco van Staden (Bulls).

Scrumhalves: Cobus Reinach (Stormers), Morné van den Berg (Lions), Grant Williams (Kobe Steelers).

Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Luan Giliomee (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners).

Centres: Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Markus Muller (Stormers), Canan Moodie (Bulls).

Outside Backs: Sebastian de Klerk (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe (all Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Mitsubishi Dynaboars), Damian Willemse (Stormers).