Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has released nine of his squad members for Currie Cup duty ahead of the second Test against Ireland.
The players released will be available to their respective provinces for round two of the tournament in a move to keep players match-fit as the Boks cast an eye towards the third July international against Portugal.
Nine players released from the Springboks squad
All nine of the players will rejoin the Springboks squad on Sunday following the second Test against Ireland.
The Sharks have been the major benefactors from that decision with new signings Trevor Nyakane and Andre Esterhuizen both released from the Bok squad. They are joined by Phepsi Buthelezi, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi and Aphelele Fassi.
In fact, Am is the only player who will not turn out for the Sharks against Griquas in Kimberley on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, Edwill van der Merwe will link up with the Lions after an impressive debut against Wales and could face off against the Pumas on Friday along with scrum-half Morne van den Berg, who has been training with the Springboks but is yet to debut.
Springboks team winners and losers as ‘exceptional’ duo make history and in-form man misses out again
Finally, utility front rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels returns to the Bulls and could feature in their Currie Cup clash against the Pumas on Saturday.
“We have a big squad at the moment, and as valuable as it is to have so many players at training, it’s important that we keep the players match fit,” Bok boss Erasmus explained.
“Playing in the Carling Currie Cup is ideal since we are locally based, and the players are only a flight away. We finished the groundwork for Saturday’s Test on Wednesday with the entire squad, and we only have the captain’s run left on Friday, so it makes sense to send some players to their unions to play some rugby.
“This will not only keep them sharp as individuals, it will also assist our cause if we do well against Ireland this week and decide to mix things up in terms of team selection against Portugal.”
READ MORE: Ireland accused of scrummaging dark arts as Bongi Mbonambi calls for a ‘fair contest’
Nine Boks released
Sharks XV: Trevor Nyakane, Makazole Mapimpi, Andre Esterhuizen, Lukhanyo Am, Aphelele Fassi, Phepsi Buthelezi
Lions: Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg
Bulls: Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Source link: Rassie Erasmus releases 9 Springboks for Currie Cup duty, Sharks the big benefactors