Springboks to maintain rotation policy, says Erasmus
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus said on Thursday that he plans to persist this season with a rotation policy that delivered 11 victories in 13 Tests last year.
The record four-time Rugby World Cup title-holders used 50 players in 2024, including 12 capped for the first time.
"We would like to do something similar to last year, where the senior players and some of the younger players contributed on the field," Erasmus told a virtual media briefing.
He has chosen 55 players ahead of the first Springboks outing of the season on June 28, a non-cap exhibition match against the Barbarians in Cape Town.
On the following three Saturdays, the Springboks will host two Tests against Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha and one against Georgia in Mbombela.
Bigger challenges for South Africa will come away from home later in the year with two matches against archrivals New Zealand during September and one each against France and Ireland in November.
The biggest surprise among the 55 selections was utility back Ntokozo Makhaza, a 23-year-old university student who will debut at senior level only in July after joining Currie Cup side the Cheetahs.
"It might by a bit early now (to play him), but we definitely think he is someone who could play for the Springboks one day," said Erasmus.
"Ntokozo has slotted in really well (at training), but we have to be realistic. Having said that, he is not far off the pace."
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