Rassie Erasmus, the coach of the Springboks, has chosen his 34-man squad for the end-of-year tour by sticking with tried-and-true methods after a good deal of experimentation with team choices this season.

With 29 World Cup winners in the most recent touring group and no uncapped players, Erasmus is obviously aiming for an undefeated finish to the 2024 campaign.

We also look at three Springbok mainstays who must maximize any playing time they get as we look ahead to the three games left this season.

Pollard, Handre

When Pollard was brought up after he recovered from an injury, he scored 13 of 13 goals at poles to become the Springboks’ goal-kicking hero at the 2023 World Cup.

By the end of the tournament, he had regained his No. 10 shirt, but this season, his position has changed considerably, with the 30-year-old occasionally serving as a mentor and support system for rising sensation Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Manie Libbok has returned to the mix as the Springboks obviously want to improve their attacking side of the game. The Stormers star put on a strong display in the Rugby Championship final.

Pollard may have a longer run, though, given that South Africa is probably going to adopt a slightly more cautious strategy for the year-end tour in the UK winter, and he wants to make an impression as the race for the No. 10 jersey heats up.

Am Lukhanyo

Am was once seen to be the best outside center in rugby, but he has since struggled, mostly as a result of some discouraging physical setbacks.

Although Jesse Kriel now holds a firm hold on the No. 13 shirt, there were indications that Am was starting to regain some form and fitness before the conclusion of the Rugby Championship.

Am must take use of every chance he gets on this year-end trip if he hopes to advocate for a return to the run-on XV.

Le Roux, Willie

Willie le Roux’s days as the consistent first-choice fullback are undoubtedly over thanks to the return of Damian Willemse and the ascent of Aphelele Fassi.

The 97-Test veteran does, however, still have a place in the squad for at least another year or two, according to Rassie Erasmus.

At this point in his career, Le Roux must make a significant impact every opportunity he gets if he is to be considered for additional Test matches.

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