Yaqeen Ahmed, Sebastian de Klerk, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Riley Norton and Emmanuel Tshituka have been included in a 37-man squad for the final four Tests of the season, with the newcomers set to get an opportunity to impress on the international stage.

Although none of the six has earned a Springbok cap, they are familiar faces within the national set-up. Ahmed, Giliomee, Muller and Tshituka have represented the SA 'A' side, while Norton, a former Junior Springbok captain, featured for the Boks against the Barbarians earlier this year. De Klerk, meanwhile, attended the national alignment camp last season.

Riley Norton. Photo: World Rugby

The newcomers will join an experienced group led by captain Siya Kolisi, alongside established campaigners such as Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende.

South Africa enjoyed an impressive run during the first half of the season, finishing top of the Nations Championship Southern Series in July after victories over England, Scotland and Wales. The Boks subsequently claimed the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry title and also featured in Tests against Argentina and Australia.

However, Erasmus will have to navigate the European tour without several key players, with Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, André Esterhuizen and Handré Pollard unavailable because of injuries.

Markus Muller. Photo: SA Rugby

Erasmus believes the six new faces have earned their places through consistent performances at franchise level over the past two seasons.

“We’ve had all six players on our radar for a while now, and they’ve delivered consistently for their respective franchises in the last two seasons, so they thoroughly deserve their call-ups,” said Erasmus.

The coach added that the national management team had already seen what most of the players could offer through earlier matches and training camps.

Strengthening the depth of the squad remains a priority, particularly as South Africa enters a demanding stretch of international rugby.

Yaqeen Ahmed. Photo: SA Rugby

“All those players have shown that they have what it takes to compete at top franchise level,” Erasmus said.

He also highlighted the newcomers' experience in the junior and sevens structures, noting that Norton, Giliomee and Ahmed had been part of Junior Springbok squads that won the Junior World Championship, while Giliomee had also represented the Blitzboks.

Erasmus acknowledged that stepping up to face the world's leading Test nations would present a different challenge but expressed confidence in the new arrivals.

The injuries to several senior players are a setback, but the coach believes the squad has sufficient cover to cope with their absence.

Sebastian de Klerk. Photo: X

“It’s always sad to lose players of that calibre, but we are pleased with the cover we have in those positions, and it also offers other players the opportunity to put up their hands,” he said.

With South Africa level on 15 points with New Zealand at the top of the Southern Hemisphere standings, points difference currently separates the two sides. The remaining league fixtures will be crucial in determining who progresses to the Finals Weekend in London.

Erasmus warned against underestimating Italy, despite the Azzurri's lower world ranking, pointing to their ability to trouble South Africa and the added motivation of playing in front of their home supporters.

“Italy may be ranked 11th in the world at this stage, but they are a quality team who have tested us to the limit at times, so we will not be fooled by the standings,” he said.

Emmanuel Tshituka. Photo: SA Rugby

France will provide another formidable examination, with recent encounters between the sides often decided by the narrowest of margins. Erasmus pointed to their closely contested meetings, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, as evidence of the challenge awaiting the Boks.

Ireland will be equally determined to make their mark. Although the Irish have won four of the last six meetings between the teams, South Africa claimed victory in their most recent encounter in Dublin a year ago.

The stakes are particularly high, with France and Ireland also chasing a strong finish in the competition and a place as the leading Northern Hemisphere team.

Erasmus stressed that South Africa would need to maintain its composure and accuracy throughout the tour, with every point potentially influencing the final standings.

Luan Giliomee. Photo: X

“This is an intense competition and every point counts, and every team we face as well as those in our pool will be wary of that, so we have a big job ahead, and it will be important to hit the ground running,” he said.

The Springboks will assemble in Italy in groups on Sunday and Monday as preparations begin for a decisive month that could shape the outcome of their season.

Springbok squad: Cameron Hanekom, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Yaqeen Ahmed, Damian de Allende, Lood de Jager, Sebastian de Klerk, Thomas du Toit, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Luan Giliomee, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Siya Kolisi, Manie Libbok, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Canan Moodie, Salmaan Moerat, Markus Muller, Ox Nché, Ruan Nortjé, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Cobus Reinach, Gerhard Steenekamp, Emmanuel Tshituka, Edwill van der Merwe, Morné van den Berg, Marco van Staden, Grant Williams, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese, Damian Willemse

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek   cvdw