Springbok squad has six uncapped players as Kolbe and Etzebeth miss out

Six uncapped players will tour with the Springboks in November. Rassie Erasmus picked them in a 37-man group for the second leg of the Nations Championship on Wednesday 28 October, with Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, André Esterhuizen and Handré Pollard all ruled out by injury.

The players receiving their first national call-ups are Yaqeen Ahmed, Sebastian de Klerk, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Riley Norton and Emmanuel Tshituka. Erasmus said the coaches had followed the group for some time.

"We’ve had all six players on our radar for a while now, and they’ve delivered consistently for their respective franchises in the past two seasons," he said.

The newcomers come in while four senior players are out. Wing Kolbe, lock Etzebeth, centre Esterhuizen and flyhalf Handré Pollard are all unavailable.

"It’s always sad to lose players of that calibre, but we are pleased with the cover we have in those positions," Erasmus said.

Siya Kolisi continues as captain, and Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende are also in the Springbok squad.

Top of the standings

South Africa start the second leg in a strong position. In July they finished top of the Nations Championship Southern Series after wins over England, Scotland and Wales. They then beat the All Blacks to become the first winners of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry title. The Springboks now lead the Southern Hemisphere standings on points difference, level with New Zealand on 15 points.

The road to London

The squad will gather in Italy in separate groups on Sunday 1 November and Monday 2 November. The tour opens against Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday 7 November. South Africa then play France on Friday 13 November and Ireland on Saturday 21 November. The Finals Weekend follows in London from 27 to 29 November.