Star lock RG Snyman is one of four returning World Cup winners named in the South Africa squad for their November internationals against Scotland, England and Wales.
Two-time World Cup winner Snyman missed the Springboks’ win in The Rugby Championship due to a foot injury but has been in top form for Irish club Leinster.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus also recalled Damian Willemse, Andre Esterhuizen and Franco Mostert after their injuries.
Willemse has not played for South Africa since last year’s World Cup final win over the All Blacks in Paris.
Locks Salmaan Moerat (knee) and Lood de Jager (shoulder), scrumhalf Faf de Klerk (thigh) and prop Steven Kitshoff (neck) are missing through injury.
RG Snyman of South Africa takes a restart ahead of Calvin Nash of Ireland during the first test between South Africa and Ireland at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
“There’s no doubt there are several unlucky players who could easily have made the touring squad, but unfortunately we can only select 34 players,” said Erasmus.
“Damian, Andre and RG all returned to action in the United Rugby Championship and have made a strong statement with their performances, and we all know what a work horse Franco is and the quality he adds to the team.”
Erasmus’ side have lost just two games this season, to Ireland and Argentina, and beat New Zealand twice during their recent Rugby Championship campaign.
“We are under no illusions about the quality of the opposition we will face, and we have experienced first-hand how their home crowds lift them, much like our passionate supporters, so we know what it will take to be successful over there,” said Erasmus.
“Fortunately, we have a squad that believes in themselves and their abilities, and that will be vital as we enter these matches.
“Obviously we’ll take confidence from winning the Rugby Championship, but the reality is that’s now history, and there’s no doubt that will motivate the opposition even more to make a strong statement against us.”
Backs (16): Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse; Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel; Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard; Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams.
Forwards (18): Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp.
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