Preliminary Bok squad for the home tests

Rassie Erasmus has named 17 players in a preliminary squad ahead of the final two home tests against Australia and New Zealand respectively.

After this weekend’s Currie Cup matches and then final injury assessments from the medical team, the squad will be finalised.

The 17 members will get together for preparations in PE on Friday.

Erasmus confirmed that the squad will be boosted by a number of players returning from provincial duties.

“We are still keeping an eye on a number of players who we would like to involve in the coming weeks, but we would first like to see them get through their provincial matches this weekend,” said Erasmus.

Unfortunately Damian De Allende (centre),  Lukhanyo Am (centre) and Makazole Mapimpi (wing) will be out with injury for the last two tests.

Francois Louw and Willie Le Roux have returned to their respective English clubs and will also not feature.

“The players had a brief break after returning from New Zealand and I’m sure they will return fresh and energised for the last two matches,” said Erasmus.

“While we lost a couple of players to injury, but we are looking forward to possibly welcome back some others who have been playing for their provinces and recovered from injury. The two home matches will give us more time to work together as a group, to build on continuity and increase our depth.”

Preliminary Bok squad:

Forwards

Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi (captain), Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, RG Snyman, Warren Whiteley

Backs

Faf de Klerk, Aphiwe Dyantyi, André Esterhuizen, Elton Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Handré Pollard