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'Retired' Brits gets shock call-up by Springboks
By Online Editors
Former Saracens hooker Schalk Brits has been added to the Springbok squad and has already joined the group in Bloemfontein, it was confirmed on Monday.
Rassie Erasmus, the Director of Rugby at SA Rugby, believes that Brits can play a similar role in the current Springbok setup such as experienced players Duane Vermeulen and Willie le Roux.
The 37-year-old Brits retired from rugby after the 2017/2018 European club season after representing Saracens for a number of seasons.
Brits previously represented the Lions and the Stormers in Super Rugby.
The 37-year-old has made 10 Test appearances for South Africa, the last of which came at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
“We are busy with building experience, continuity and capacity towards the Rugby World Cup, so we want our young players rubbing shoulders with experienced players such as Duane, Vermeulen and Willie le Roux,” explained Erasmus.
“I want Schalk to perform a similar role, because he has extensive inside knowledge and plenty of experience from playing for Saracens in the English and European conditions. It’s a great way for our younger guys to learn the trade of international rugby from these guys.”
South Africa came from 21 points down to defeat England 42-39 in a thrilling first Test at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Erasmus cut seven players from his team – initially 43-men strong – in the aftermath, while Bulls prop Trevor Nyakane withdrew with a rib injury.
The Springbok team to face England in the second Test in Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium will be named on Thursday.
England themselves have made an addition to their squad at hooker.
Worcester Warriors' Jack Singleton will join Eddie Jones' squad on Monday as England’s third hooker to cover Luke Cowan-Dickie.
Singleton is called up as a precaution after the Exeter man experienced hamstring tightness following the first Test in Johannesburg.
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Latest Comments
Wales were lucky the Boks should put 60 points past them
Go to commentsI'd rate the brothers Hendricks a point or two lower. Jaden has really not delivered on his early promise and Jordan's kicking at posts was quite erratic. Amongst other things.
I was really surprised that DuhDuh was replaced and not Jordan. DuhDuh had a great game and just underlined his class in a backline that was not firing on all cylinders.
Damian Willemse was missed. Hopefully he'll be back to full fitness and have an injury free 2025 (and '26 and '27 and so on until he decides to retire to spend time with his grandchildren).
RG was great. What an athlete.
Very happy that Hanekom made his debut at last. He gave a good account of himself and will hopefully grow into his role on the international stage.
All things considered, this was another frustrating Bok performance. Even though it was a comfortable win, it wasn't a commanding win. This Welsh team should've been put away by a far larger margin.
But I have faith in Dr Rassie. He knows more than I do. Bring on 2027 😁
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