Ntuthuko Mchunu recalled to Springboks squad ahead of Argentina and RGR matches

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has presented a list of 43 players who will gather in Johannesburg. This squad is intended to prepare for the upcoming match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on August 8th, as well as for the series of 'Rugby Greatest Rivalry' (RGR) matches against New Zealand.

Return and Squad Management

As part of tactical division, Erasmus decided to send five players to their home clubs so they can gain game experience during friendly matches against touring All Blacks. Simultaneously, ten experienced Springboks players have returned from the injured list.

Among the high-profile players returning from injuries are props Eben Etzebeth and Luke de Jager, versatile forward Franco Mostert, captain Siya Kolisi, midfielders Sacha Phelenberg-Mngomezulu and Handre Pollard, versatile back-rowers Ethan Hooker and Keenan Moody, centre/flanker Andre Esterhuizen, and midfielder Morne van den Berg.

Planning and Player Rotation

Meanwhile, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Evan Roos, Andre-Hugo Winter, Embrose Papier, and Jaco Williams have been released to play for their clubs. Prop Ruben van Heerden, who debuted for the national team against Wales last Saturday, was excluded from the main squad to allow him to adapt at his new French club Montpellier, although he remains in reserve.

Erasmus emphasized that the decision to split the group was made after careful consideration to give every player a chance to prove themselves before the RGR series. He noted that splitting into two groups would be the best option for the Springboks team and the athletes themselves, allowing them to earn a spot in the squad.

The coach added that some players are recovering from injuries and need valuable game time. Therefore, the selection of participants for the trip to Argentina will depend on their progress during next week's training camp. The remaining players from the 43-man squad will stay in Johannesburg with the coaching staff to begin preparations for the matches against New Zealand.

Benefit of Rotation

Erasmus stressed that this arrangement benefits all parties. Players sent to their clubs will get the opportunity to face the All Blacks in relevant mid-week matches, which will be invaluable experience when forming the final squad for the RGR. Thus, it is viewed as a 'win-win' situation.

He also explained that since the number of players who can go to Argentina is limited, it is fair to give everyone equal chances. Some players training in Johannesburg will complete their recovery phase under the supervision of the medical team, while others, who have played a lot of rugby, need a break to recover their bodies.

Pre-South American Match Warning

Looking ahead to the confrontation in South America, Erasmus warned against underestimating the Los Pumas team. He noted that they are a quality team that has proven its capability in previous encounters. Furthermore, he reminded that Los Pumas defeated them in Argentina the last time they met there in 2024, so the team intends to send a strong contingent to Buenos Aires.

Currently, the Springboks are resting with their families before gathering in Johannesburg on Sunday. The group traveling to Argentina will fly out in two waves next Sunday and Monday.

Jan-Hendrik Vessels demonstrated his significant value to the Springboks team by coming on as a substitute to strengthen the scrum during the dominant 43-0 victory over Wales at Kings Park stadium.

Player Versatility

Vessels emphasized that combining the demanding roles of left prop and hooker in the Springboks does not create additional pressure. He expressed gratitude to the national coaches for ensuring his full readiness regardless of where he is needed.

This versatile 24-year-old athlete once again showed his usefulness in the Rugby World Cup match, which ended with a 43-0 win against Wales on Saturday evening at Kings Park, reinforcing the already dominant Springboks line.

Preparation and Planning

Thanks to the impressive depth of the South African front row, Vessels has become a valuable versatile option capable of covering two specialized positions. He noted that this role was significantly eased by the meticulous preparation of the coaching staff. He also mentioned technical analyst Joe Lewis, defensive coach Jerry Flannery, forward coach Dion David, and scrum coach Dan Human.

After the match, Vessels stated: 'I think from a training perspective they prepare me very well. Regarding the scrum and lineouts, Joe helps me, Jerry helps me, coach Dan Human, and coach Dion David. They don't throw me into deep water.'

He added that during the week he trained in the role of left prop, as he played this position in most of his games for the Bulls. His participation in the season varies depending on the opponent and game situation, but Vessels is confident that there is always a clear plan before the game.

Application in Matches

Vessels recounted that in the game against England, he did not play as a hooker but came on as a left prop. In the match against Scotland, he initially played prop, possibly to calm down and get used to the pace of the game, and then switched to the hooker position. He shared the pleasure of this process, noting that the entire management and coaching staff create comfortable conditions throughout the week so that he is ready for Saturday.

Vessels joked about the fierce competition in the Springboks front row, hinting that he often teases the left props, warning them that if they slow down, they will have to switch to the hooker position. However, behind this humor lies appreciation for the excellent squad depth.

He believes that having backups always helps, as there is someone available to replace him in the hooker position if necessary. Currently, there are many players capable of playing multiple positions.

Contribution to Play and Rookie Assessment

The Springboks scrum once again laid the foundation against Wales when the starting front row, consisting of Gerhard Steenkamp, Malcolm Marx, and Carl Seydi, earned early penalties, and substitutions continued to apply pressure. For Vessels, meeting the standards set by the starters became a source of motivation.

He emphasized: 'We are always proud of our scrums. The biggest part of our game is putting pressure on the opponent and giving our backfillers good ball.' He added that the starting front row sets an excellent standard for those who come on as substitutes, motivating them not to let the team down after seeing the achievements of the starters. This generates even more excitement when the opportunity to play appears.

The Bulls forward also highly praised the debuting wing player Wusi Moyo for his maturity in this situation. Vessels noted that the young player benefited from having experienced midfielders Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel alongside him. He expressed joy for the young player, noting that he controlled the game well thanks to the experience of his partners, and wished him further development after his first match for the Springboks.

Despite the changes to the squad made by Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus before Saturday's World Cup match against Wales in Durban, former Springboks flyhalf Buc James predicts a high level of play from players striving to climb the rankings.

Expectations for the Springboks team

James stated that he expects another brilliant performance from the Springboks. He emphasized that one of the main strengths of this team is maintaining high standards regardless of who is selected in the squad. James noted that Wales will bring a lot of passion and physical strength, but South Africa has accumulated incredible squad depth in recent years.

Changes in the starting lineup

Despite the difficult task, South Africa will field a significantly changed squad. The Springboks are giving four players the opportunity to debut in the senior national team's starting fifteen: Jaco Williams (wing), Wusi Moyo (flyhalf), Ruben van Heerden (lock), and Carlu Seydi (prop).

Context of the confrontation

Wales' task is complicated by memories of their last meeting in November, when the reigning world champions achieved a crushing 73-0 victory in Cardiff. Although the current squad is significantly different from the one that played in November, James explained that the Springboks are still considered clear favorites.

Player confidence

James specifically highlighted the players' confidence, noting that they do not appear intimidated by the upcoming event. He linked this to the atmosphere created by Rassie Erasmus and the development paths within the Springboks structure. He added that expectations are always high when wearing green and gold, but these players seem ready for it. James expressed a desire to see them continue to express themselves while adhering to the systems that have made the team so successful.