Latest news with #LukhanyoAm
Reuters
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Springboks leave out experienced trio for Australia tests
July 23 (Reuters) - South Africa have named their squad for the two Rugby Championship tests at home to Australia next month as they begin the defence of their title, with no place for double World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk and Makazola Mapimpi. The experienced trio are on a stand-by list in case of injury as coach Rassie Erasmus named a 37-player group on Wednesday to meet the Wallabies in Johannesburg on August 16 and in Cape Town a week later. Recent new caps Ethan Hooker (utility back), Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Boan Venter (both props), Marnus van der Merwe (hooker) and Cobus Wiese (utility forward) have all been included. Bath prop Thomas du Toit has been granted a compulsory two-week rest as agreed with the English Premiership, while number eight Jasper Wiese, the brother of Cobus, is serving a four-week suspension. Erasmus has already used almost 50 players in three tests this year as he looks to add depth to the squad with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in mind. "It's always challenging to reduce the squad, especially given how the expanded group of players put up their hands (in wins over Italy and Georgia this month), but we always said we would select a smaller, more manageable squad during the Rugby Championship," Erasmus said. "We probably have three players who can cover each position. One of our key pillars as a team is to build squad depth, and there is no better way to see what some of the younger players are capable of than to expose them to some of the top teams in the world." The Springboks have also invited three players from South Africa's victorious side at the recent Under-20 World Cup to train with the team to gain experience. They are loose-forward Bathobele Hlekani, wing Cheswill Jooste and scrumhalf Haashim Pead, the stand-out performer in the tournament. South Africa squad: Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese. Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse.
The Star
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-Springboks leave out experienced trio for Australia tests
FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v New Zealand - Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 13, 2022 South Africa's Lukhanyo Am in action REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo (Reuters) -South Africa have named their squad for the two Rugby Championship tests at home to Australia next month as they begin the defence of their title, with no place for double World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk and Makazola Mapimpi. The experienced trio are on a stand-by list in case of injury as coach Rassie Erasmus named a 37-player group on Wednesday to meet the Wallabies in Johannesburg on August 16 and in Cape Town a week later. Recent new caps Ethan Hooker (utility back), Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Boan Venter (both props), Marnus van der Merwe (hooker) and Cobus Wiese (utility forward) have all been included. Bath prop Thomas du Toit has been granted a compulsory two-week rest as agreed with the English Premiership, while number eight Jasper Wiese, the brother of Cobus, is serving a four-week suspension. Erasmus has already used almost 50 players in three tests this year as he looks to add depth to the squad with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in mind. "It's always challenging to reduce the squad, especially given how the expanded group of players put up their hands (in wins over Italy and Georgia this month), but we always said we would select a smaller, more manageable squad during the Rugby Championship," Erasmus said. "We probably have three players who can cover each position. One of our key pillars as a team is to build squad depth, and there is no better way to see what some of the younger players are capable of than to expose them to some of the top teams in the world." The Springboks have also invited three players from South Africa's victorious side at the recent Under-20 World Cup to train with the team to gain experience. They are loose-forward Bathobele Hlekani, wing Cheswill Jooste and scrumhalf Haashim Pead, the stand-out performer in the tournament. South Africa squad: Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese. Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse. (Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
CNA
12 hours ago
- Sport
- CNA
Springboks leave out experienced trio for Australia tests
South Africa have named their squad for the two Rugby Championship tests at home to Australia next month as they begin the defence of their title, with no place for double World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk and Makazola Mapimpi. The experienced trio are on a stand-by list in case of injury as coach Rassie Erasmus named a 37-player group on Wednesday to meet the Wallabies in Johannesburg on August 16 and in Cape Town a week later. Recent new caps Ethan Hooker (utility back), Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Boan Venter (both props), Marnus van der Merwe (hooker) and Cobus Wiese (utility forward) have all been included. Bath prop Thomas du Toit has been granted a compulsory two-week rest as agreed with the English Premiership, while number eight Jasper Wiese, the brother of Cobus, is serving a four-week suspension. Erasmus has already used almost 50 players in three tests this year as he looks to add depth to the squad with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in mind. "It's always challenging to reduce the squad, especially given how the expanded group of players put up their hands (in wins over Italy and Georgia this month), but we always said we would select a smaller, more manageable squad during the Rugby Championship," Erasmus said. "We probably have three players who can cover each position. One of our key pillars as a team is to build squad depth, and there is no better way to see what some of the younger players are capable of than to expose them to some of the top teams in the world." The Springboks have also invited three players from South Africa's victorious side at the recent Under-20 World Cup to train with the team to gain experience. They are loose-forward Bathobele Hlekani, wing Cheswill Jooste and scrumhalf Haashim Pead, the stand-out performer in the tournament. South Africa squad: Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese. Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse.
The South African
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Springboks: Key injury recovery timelines
This past weekend, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that six players had been relased from the team camp in order to complete their injury rehabilitation at their clubs and franchises. This comes in addition to a few long-term injuries. Lukhanyo Am (knee): There will be some concern over the fact that the outside centre has been released as a result of a troublesome knee injury, and although his recovery timeline has not been specified, it's expected that he will only come back into contention for the Rugby Championship. Pieter-Steph du Toit (shoulder): Another unfortunate injury for the Springboks to contend with. Du Toit has been ruled out of the July Tests against Italy and the one-off clash against Georgia. Cameron Hanekom (hamstring): The talented loose forward has just undergone surgery, and is only likely to be available at the back-end of the Rugby Championship, or for the end-of-year tour. Juarno Augustus (back): The powerful loose forward, who is set to join Ulster next season, has been unable to join up with the Springboks as expected due to an unfortunate injury issue that will also see him miss the July Tests. Gerhard Steenekamp (knee): The 28-year-old hasn't featured since early March when he suffered a knee injury that led to some unfortunate complications following a minor procedure. It's hoped that he will be ready for the Rugby Championship: Ntuthuko Mchunu (knee): Another prop who will be out for some time, with the Springboks only expected to be able to consider calling on his services at some point during the Rugby Championship. Frans Malherbe (back): There is a chance he could be rested for the July internationals, but the big prop should certainly be readily available for the Rugby Championship. Elrigh Louw (leg): He has unfortunately been ruled out for the entire 2025 season. Ben-Jason Dixon (wrist): The loose forward will miss the July internationals, but could be back in contention during the Rugby Championship. Deon Fourie (ankle): The veteran utility forward should be back in training before the Rugby Championship. Trevor Nyakane (ruptured Achilles tendon): The Springbok stalwart is only likely to be back towards the end of 2025. HOW MANY GAMES DO YOU THINK THE TEAM WILL WIN THIS YEAR? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Lukhanyo Am to earn 100th cap in Sharks' quarter-fianl against Munster, Kolisi back at No 8
Lukhanyo Am Centre Lukhanyo Am is fit again and will hope to spark the Sharks' attack against Munster. Photo: Steve Haag Sports In a change to the tight five, Jason Jenkins and Emile van Heerden swap jerseys in the lock position, with the former starting in place of the latter this week. Am is over a hamstring injury and replaces youngster Jurenzo Julius, while Bok captain Siya Kolisi takes over from Phepsi Buthelezi after being rested for the match against the Scarlets. Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am makes a welcome return to the Sharks team to play Munster in a United Rugby Championship quarterfinal on Saturday and earns his 100th cap in the process. Lukhanyo Am x Makazole Mapimpi 🦈🔥 The Hollywoodbets Sharks finish Cardiff off with an excellent team move 👇 #VURC Openside flank James Venter returns to action after sustaining a neck injury against the Ospreys and takes over from Tino Mavesere. In an important change at flyhalf, Jordan Hendrikse has recovered from a back injury to replace Siya Masuku, who suffered a hamstring injury in the Scarlets match to leave the Sharks thin in the position. Although the Sharks have played in some tight games in the run-in to the knock-outs, captain Eben Etzebeth admits that this has been good preparation for this stage of the tournament. 'We've seen in the past that play-offs can be tight affairs, and winning tight games is something we've done a bit of this year,' he explains. 'Last year when we ended up lower on the log, we lost those tight games, but this year we've turned things around and won them. 'We're used to those kinds of games, but hopefully we don't make it that tight on Saturday.' While his side is filled with Springboks, Munster come to Durban having proved their worth over the years and Etzebeth is under no illusions as to what is coming. 'They're a quality side and it's probably going to come down to discipline on the day and who has the better goal-kicker. It's going to be a very close game.' Sharks team 15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Ethan Hooker 13 Lukhanyo Am 12 Andre Esterhuizen 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Jordan Hendrikse 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Siya Kolisi 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 James Venter 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain) 3 Vincent Koch 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu 18 Hanro Jacobs 19 Emile van Heerden 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids 22 Francois Venter 23 Yaw Penxe.
