Six players have moved a step closer to their first Springbok Test appearance after Rassie Erasmus named his 37-man squad on 28 October for South Africa’s November campaign in Europe.

They join an experienced group led by Siya Kolisi, with places available following injuries to several established internationals. 

Meet the Uncapped Six

The newcomers come from three South African franchises:

• Yaqeen Ahmed, Stormers: Flyhalf.
• Sebastian de Klerk, Bulls: Outside back.
• Luan Giliomee, Bulls: Utility back, listed among the squad’s flyhalves.
• Markus Muller, Stormers: Centre.
• Riley Norton, Stormers: Lock.
• Emmanuel Tshituka, Sharks: Loose forward.

“Uncapped” means they have not played a senior international Test for South Africa. Selection gives them the opportunity to compete for a place in a match-day team; a debut is not guaranteed.

New to Test Rugby, Familiar to the Coaches

All six have already spent time in the national setup.

Ahmed, Giliomee, Muller and Tshituka represented SA ‘A’ against Zimbabwe earlier this season. Norton, a former Junior Springbok captain, appeared against the Barbarians, while De Klerk attended a national alignment camp last season. Those appearances and camps do not count as senior Test caps. 

Erasmus said the selections reflected players the coaching team had been watching, with building squad depth remaining a priority.

“They thoroughly deserve their call-ups,” he said. 

Experience Remains Alongside Them

The squad includes 20 forwards and 17 backs, with established players such as Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel providing experience.

Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, André Esterhuizen and Handré Pollard were unavailable for selection because of injury.

November Fixtures

South Africa’s scheduled Nations Championship matches are:

• Saturday, 7 November: Italy v South Africa.
• Friday, 13 November: France v South Africa.
• Saturday, 21 November: Ireland v South Africa.

A fourth Test follows during Finals Weekend in London, from 27 to 29 November. The opponent will depend on the competition standings. 

The Bottom Line

The next milestone for the newcomers is a place in a Test match-day squad. Supporters will need to watch the individual team announcements to see who gets the chance to earn that first cap.