Overview

• Erasmus confirmed a 36-man group comprising 21 forwards and 15 backs for Tests against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales.
• Stormers tighthead Zachary Porthen receives his first call-up as the only uncapped player in the touring squad.
• Returns and first outings: Jean Kleyn, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe return from injury, while Ben-Jason Dixon, Johan Grobbelaar and Gerhard Steenekamp feature for the first time this season.
• Selection shifts: Bongi Mbonambi moves to a 10-man standby list that also includes Juarno Augustus, Sebastian de Klerk, Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi, with Willie le Roux, Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch omitted.
• Logistics and milestones: five consecutive Saturday fixtures from Nov 1–29 across London, Paris, Turin, Dublin and Cardiff; Japan-based Boks available for out-of-window ties; Siya Kolisi sits on 98 caps; six players unavailable through injury including Cameron Hanekom and Frans Malherbe.