Springboks bring in uncapped Kolbe for Rugby Championship trip

Cheslin Kolbe has been named in South Africa’s squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship fixtures against Australia and New Zealand.

Kolbe was an unused member of the Springboks’ touring party to Europe in 2016 but could make his international debut on the trip after impressing for Toulouse in France.

The utility back is included in a 31-man party alongside hooker Schalk Brits – who was tempted out of retirement during the Test series against England earlier in the year – and fit-again centre Damian de Allende.

“Cheslin has certainly grabbed his opportunities for his French club and he has earned his spot in the squad,” South Africa boss Rassie Erasmus said in a statement.

“He is in good form and we are delighted have him in the group.”

Erasmus has also selected scrum-half Ross Cronje, loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe and centre Jesse Kriel.

South Africa – who split home-and-away fixtures against Argentina at the start of the tournament – face the Wallabies in Brisbane on September 8 before taking on the All Blacks a week later in Wellington.

South Africa squad

Forwards: Schalk Brits, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Warren Whiteley.

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Ross Cronje, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Andre Esterhuizen, Elton Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard, Damian Willemse.

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