Boan Venter called up as Erasmus cuts Springbok squad to 45

Boan Venter has earned his first Springbok call-up. The former Toyota Cheetahs prop, now with Edinburgh, joins the national squad as coach Rassie Erasmus trimmed his group to 45 players following the first training week in Johannesburg.

Erasmus made the decision after assessing the squad's depth and injury status. Venter, who was part of the Junior Springbok training group in 2017, is the only new addition.

Six players have been released due to injuries. These include props Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu, centre Lukhanyo Am, utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, and No 8s Cameron Hanekom and Juarno Augustus.

Five more players have been released to their unions. They are scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse, fullback Quan Horn, flanker Renzo du Plessis, and utility back Ntokozo Makhaza.

The main squad gathered in Johannesburg on Sunday. Players from the Vodacom Bulls, who featured in the United Rugby Championship final against Leinster, will arrive on Monday evening. RG Snyman joins on Tuesday afternoon.

Handre Pollard and Thomas du Toit, who played in the Gallagher Premiership final, will report this Monday and next Monday, respectively. Venter is expected to join the squad on Sunday, 29 June.

“Our first week of training went well,” said Erasmus. “It gave us a chance to assess our depth and see where the players are. We also looked at injuries and where we needed more cover.”

Erasmus added that players with long-term injuries will complete their recovery at their clubs. Those released remain on standby.

“We believe we have good cover in the positions of the released players. But they are ready to return if needed.”

On Venter’s call-up, Erasmus said, “Boan has been consistent for Edinburgh in the URC and the Challenge Cup. He knows the South African system from his time with the Cheetahs and in the junior ranks. We’re looking forward to seeing him in action.”

The Springboks open their season with the Qatar Airways Cup match against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday, June 28. This will be the first time the two sides meet on South African soil.

They will then host Italy in two Tests in Pretoria and Gqeberha on July 5 and 12. The final match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series will be against Georgia in Nelspruit on July 19.

Springbok Squad

Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights) Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks) Thomas du Toit (Bath) Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers) Jean Kleyn (Munster) Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls) Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers) Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Emirates Lions) Evan Roos (DHL Stormers) Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) RG Snyman (Leinster) Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets) Boan Venter (Edinburgh) Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls) Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls) Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks)

Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles) Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath) Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls) Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers) Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls) Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions) Edwill van der Merwe (Emirates Lions) Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks)