Katlego Sekhu

Springbok fans have reason to celebrate as Damian Willemse makes his long-awaited return to the national side for the upcoming Test against Italy.
The dynamic utility back is back in green and gold for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, having spent much of the 2024 season sidelined by injury and suspension.
After missing the outing against the Barbarians due to suspension and spending months recovering from injury, the 26-year-old is now fit and raring to go. He will start at fullback, forming an exciting back three alongside Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has named a matchday squad featuring 13 players who thrashed the Barbarians 54-7 in Cape Town. With regular captain Siya Kolisi ruled out due to a niggle, Jesse Kriel retains the captaincy, becoming the 67th player to lead the Springboks. Eben Etzebeth, another returnee from injury, will serve as vice-captain and starts in place of Jean Kleyn in the second row.
Willemse isn’t the only familiar face making a return. Faf de Klerk and Jasper Wiese also rejoin the squad after recovering from injuries sustained in the 2024 season. De Klerk will feature off the bench, while Wiese starts at No. 8, replacing Jean-Luc du Preez, who is on paternity leave.
The backline sees minimal changes from the Barbarians clash, with Handre Pollard returning at flyhalf to partner with scrumhalf Morne van den Berg. Damian de Allende and captain Kriel maintain their midfield partnership.
In the forwards, Wilco Louw comes in at tighthead prop alongside Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx, forming a formidable front row. The bench includes a 6-2 split, with experienced campaigners like Bongi Mbonambi, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, and Kwagga Smith providing forward cover. Willie le Roux is also named among the replacements and could earn his 99th Test cap.
“We are fortunate to have a few experienced players back from injury, who will be keen to make their mark,” said Erasmus. “We want to maintain continuity while managing game time across the squad. We believe this team is best suited for what we want to achieve against Italy.”
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