Overview
- The Springboks staged a pre‑season double header in Gqeberha on Saturday with the senior side beating the Barbarians 80-31 and SA A defeating Zimbabwe 40-0.
- Coaches used the matches as accelerated trials and selection auditions, with standout showings directly leading to promotion into the 46‑player Nations Championship squad.
- Several uncapped youngsters were included in Erasmus’s squad, notably Riley Norton and Jaco Williams, who were rewarded for full‑game performances and try‑scoring contributions.
- SA Rugby designated SA A as the official second senior team so appearances will tie eligible uncapped players to South Africa, while a red card and a concussion in the SA A game will be monitored for selection impact.
- The squad has moved to a Johannesburg training camp to prepare for the Nations Championship opener against England on 4 July and availability remains subject to club release rules and injury checks.