Three rookies ready to springboard into Springbok Test squad
· The South African
When looking at the Springbok team named to face the Barbarians this Saturday, Junior Bok captain Riley Norton (lock) and Carlu Sadie (prop) are the only uncapped players named in the starting line up.
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Among the replacements, JJ Kotze (hooker), Paul de Villiers (loose forward) and SA U20 flyhalf Vusi Moyo are also set to feature in their first game for the Springboks, albeit in a match that doesn’t carry Test status.
The SA ‘A’ team – to face Zimbabwe – is packed with newcomers, but most of these players will fall out of the Springbok set up once the Test squad is named on Sunday.
Nevertheless, there will be a real opportunity for several uncapped players to impress on Saturday, and here we look at three rookies most likely to break into the Test squad.
Uncapped players ready for Springbok Test call up
Riley Norton
With RG Snyman out for the rest of the year with a serious injury, and when considering that Lood de Jager has been sidelined for most of the 2026, the Springboks will want to add some extra depth at lock. Coach Rassie Erasmus has already been effusive in his praise of Norton, and a big performance against the Barbarians will surely guarantee the former Junior Springbok skipper a spot in the Test squad. Of course, there could also be a call up for JJ van der Mescht – who plays in the English Premiership final this weekend – but it’s Norton who could well be in prime position for an imminent Test debut.
Paul de Villiers
One of the most exciting young players in South African rugby, De Villiers will want to display the form and impact that made him such a standout performer for the Stormers this season. With Kwagga Smith also out of action for the remainder of the year, it is the perfect opportunity for De Villiers to confirm his spot as a Test quality back up to Siya Kolisi and Marco van Staden at openside flank.
Jaco Williams
When looking at the SA ‘A’ squad, there are so many talented players who could make a real play for Test selection. Bathobele Hlekani, Siphosethu Mnebelele and Jurenzo Julius all look like players who would excite the Springbok coaches, but when considering the need for real specialist back up to Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe, my feeling is that Jaco Williams has the biggest opportunity to run riot against Zimbabwe and secure his Test squad selection.
*Note: Quan Horn would have certainly made this list, but don’t forget he is not uncapped at Test level, having made his Springbok debut against Portugal in 2024.
SQUADS FOR SATURDAY
SPRINGBOKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Quan Horn, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Riley Norton, 3 Carlü Sadie, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ox Nché.
Bench: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Vusi Moyo.
SOUTH AFRICA A – 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (c), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter.
Bench: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adré Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius.