Overview
- Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed on Sunday that lock Eben Etzebeth will join the touring squad in France on Monday and that 20‑year‑old uncapped flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed has returned to South Africa with a shoulder niggle.
- Etzebeth was initially left out of the second‑phase touring squad with an ankle issue but has recovered and been recalled to provide experience and leadership; he is South Africa’s most capped player with 147 Tests.
- Ahmed missed most training during the build‑up to the 66‑7 win over Italy in Turin and was sent home for treatment and recovery, with Erasmus saying the brief call‑up still offered valuable learning about Springbok systems.
- Erasmus said the squad has enough backline cover and versatile players, and he will name his match‑23 for Friday’s Stade de France Test on Monday after integrating Etzebeth into the group.
- The change is aimed at securing Nations Championship results before Finals Weekend and at fine‑tuning combinations ahead of future World Cup preparation while protecting a young player’s long‑term development.