Springboks’ Perth squad has mixed effect on URC first round
· The South African
South Africa’s one-off Test against Australia will impact local teams heading into the URC this weekend.
On Tuesday, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named the final XV for the clash in Perth on 26 September.
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With the announcement comes an inevitable knock-on effect for the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls, and Lions.
Here’s which teams are set to be most affected in terms of selections for the first round of the competition.
Teams affected by Test against Australia
Bulls
Six Bulls players have been named for the Springboks-Wallabies clash in Perth on Saturday:
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- Johan Grobbelaar
- Elrigh Louw
- Marco van Staden
- Handre Pollard
- Canan Moodie
The loss of a bulk of talent may be a concern for Johan Ackermann, with a trip to Zebre looming.
However, the likes of Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Cameron Hanekom should be available.
Stormers
The Stormers head to Galway to face Connacht with a squad close to full strength.
Four players have been added to the squad to face Australia, according to South Africa Rugby:
- Zachary Porthen
- Wilco Louw
- Paul de Villiers
- Sacha Feinberg-Ngomezulu
Meanwhile, coach John Dobson has the likes of Siya Kolisi, Damian Willemse, Cobus Reinach, and Deon Fourie ready.
Sharks
Five Sharks players will step out onto the park in Australia this weekend:
- Ox Nche
- Eben Etzebeth
- Ethan Hooker
- Andre Esterhuizen (captain)
- Edwill van der Merwe
The only notable exception is Thomas du Toit, who should be free for the opening URC clash against Ospreys in Durban.
Lions
The only Lions player who took part in the New Zealand Test series will play no part in the domestic opener.
Morne van den Berg joins the Springboks squad, alongside his teammate Quan Horn.
Coach Ivan van Rooyen will turn to his core squad for what could be the toughest game of the URC first round: hosting Leinster in Johannesburg.
URC first round fixtures
Connacht vs Stormers – Dexcom Stadium, Galway (20:45)
Lions vs Leinster – Ellis Park, Johannesburg (13:30)
Sharks vs Ospreys – Kings Park, Durban (16:00)
Zebre vs Bulls – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (18:30)
Details are correct according to the official URC website.
HOW WILL THE SPRINGBOKS’ GAME IN PERTH AFFECT THE URC FIRST ROUND?
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