Erasmus selects 17 new caps for tests against British sides

● Coach Rassie Erasmus unequivocally ushered in a new Springbok era by naming 17 uncapped players in a 43-man squad for tests against Wales and England in June.

The squad consists of 24 forwards and 19 backs and the 25 players with test experience have a combined total of 627 caps. A captain will only be named on Monday.

The uncapped players are Ox Nche (prop), Thomas du Toit (prop), Akker van der Merwe (hooker), RG Snyman (lock), Marvin Orie (lock), Jason Jenkins (lock), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (loose forward), Kwagga Smith (loose forward), Ivan van Zyl (scrumhalf), Embrose Papier (scrumhalf), Cameron Wright (scrumhalf), Robert du Preez (flyhalf), Andre Esterhuizen (centre), Sibusiso Nkosi (wing), Aphiwe Dyantyi (wing), Makazole Mapimpi (wing) and Travis Ismaiel (wing).

Erasmus has also included five players from abroad who will bring necessary experience in key positions. They are Bismarck du Plessis (hooker), Duane Vermeulen (No 8), Faf de Klerk (scrumhalf), Frans Steyn (centre) and Willie le Roux (fullback).

Squad: Backs – Fullbacks: Willie le Roux, Warrick Gelant, Curwin Bosch. Wings: Aphiwe Dyantyi*, Makazola Mapimpi*, S’bu Nkosi*, Travis Ismaiel*. Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen*, Frans Steyn. Flyhalves: Rob du Preez*, Elton Jantjies, Handré Pollard. Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk, Ivan van Zyl*, Cameron Wright*, Embrose Papier*. Loose forwards: Nizaam Carr, Jean-Luc du Preez, Daniel du Preez, Siya Kolisi, Oupa Mohoje, Sikhumbuzo Notshe*, Kwagga Smith*, Duane Vermeulen. Locks: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman*, Jason Jenkins*, Marvin Orie*. Props: Thomas du Toit*, Steven Kitshoff, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche*. Hookers: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Akker van der Merwe*, Bismarck du Plessis, Bongi Mbonambi.

*Denotes uncapped players