“Springboks Reloaded: Rassie Erasmus Unleashes Full-Strength Squad for 2025 Season Opener Against Italy”

🏉 Upcoming Test vs Italy (July 5, Pretoria)

 

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a near full-strength squad for their first Test of the 2025 season versus Italy at Loftus Versfeld, saying the Boks want to “steady the boat” and set a strong tone for the season .

 

Key inclusions include comeback stars Damian Willemse at fullback, Handré Pollard at fly-half, and Vincent Tshituka earning his first official Test cap after impressing against the Barbarians .

Veteran Willie le Roux is closing in on his 99th Test appearance—a possible centurion milestone this weekend .

 

Hooker Bongi Mbonambi has issued a warning of a “brutal forward battle” ahead of the clash .

 

 

 

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🔄 Squad Adjustments & Injuries

 

Lock Jean Kleyn has been ruled out of the Italy series due to an injury sustained in the Barbarians match; the Bok squad has enough depth to cover his absence .

 

Andre Esterhuizen continues in a ‘hybrid’ role, filling in around the back of the scrum as part of Erasmus’s evolving tactical setup .

 

 

 

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🏁 Season Kick‑off Preview

 

The Test series against Italy marks the official start of their 2025 international season. Erasmus emphasized the importance of launching with authority, with their first match described as a “powerful statement” .

 

After a commanding 54–7 win over the Barbarians in Cape Town, there’s strong confidence in the squad’s form, and the coach insists on building momentum through the forward and attacking systems .

 

 

 

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🔍 Player Highlights

 

Vincent Tshituka: Set for Test debut, a reward for his standout performance off the bench last week .

 

Willie le Roux: Nearing 100 caps; could become the 28th Springbok to reach that milestone .

 

Andre Esterhuizen: Embracing a strategic hybrid flanker/centre role, enhancing bench versatility .

 

Jean Kleyn: Ruled out for the Italy series due to injury, but senior locks remain available .

 

 

 

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📅 What’s Coming Up

 

Match Date Venue

 

Springboks vs Italy July 5–6 Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Second Test vs Italy Following week –

Match vs Georgia July 19 To be announced

 

 

The Springboks kick off their 2025 campaign this weekend — expect Rassie’s experienced squad to come out strong in Pretoria. High-level continuity, veteran presence, and tactical evolution are the themes heading into the Italy series.