Rassie Erasmus has named a 37-man Springbok squad for the Australia leg of the 2025 Rugby Championship. The squad features several returning players. There are key omissions ahead of the two Test matches against the Wallabies in Brisbane and Perth.
Mapimpi and de Klerk ruled out
The most notable absentees are veteran wing Makazole Mapimpi and scrumhalf Faf de Klerk. They were not considered for selection due to injury. Their absence opens the door for other experienced campaigners to step up in the backline. As the squad evolves, the 37-man group moves forward without them.
Marx, Moodie and Van Staden return
Hooker Malcolm Marx makes a much-anticipated return. He is back after recovering from a long-term knee injury. Canan Moodie and Marco van Staden also rejoin the squad following time on the sidelines. This boosts the squad’s depth across the park and further solidifies the 37-man squad for the upcoming challenges.
Moodie adds versatility to the back three, while Van Staden strengthens the loose forward options. Both will be crucial for the two-Test tour.
Consistency in selection strategy
According to Erasmus, the selection reflects a desire for continuity as the Boks prepare for a demanding international season. Indeed, Rassie Erasmus believes the 37-man squad is strategically assembled to ensure consistency.
“We selected this group with the intention of being as consistent in our selections as possible,” he said.
The Springboks currently sit second on the Rugby Championship log. They face Australia at Ellis Park Stadium on 16 August. This will be followed by a clash in Cape Town Stadium on 7 September.
The Rassie Erasmus Springbok squad 2025 announcement marks another step in the team’s evolving strategy. They balance the return of injured veterans with a consistent core. This is ahead of back-to-back away fixtures.
