Springboks captain and two-time world champion South African third-stringer Zia Kolisi has returned to the 39-man group called by coach Rassie Erasmus on Tuesday for the upcoming two Test matches against Ireland.

Kolisi, who joined Racing 92 (Top 14) after leading his team to a second consecutive world title, did not feature in the Springboks' win over New Zealand (12-11) in London on Saturday at the Stade de France last October 28. Against Wales (41-13).

At Twickenham, Erasmus had to deal with the young Welsh faithful due to injuries or especially not letting their clubs go.

This time, the Springboks coach has recalled his old guard for two crucial Test matches against Ireland, in Pretoria on July 6 and Durban on July 14, with almost all the players crowned in France at the end of October.

Ireland, ranked second in the world in World Rugby, are the only team to beat South Africa (1st place) at the 2023 World Cup (13-8). It was in the group stage last September 23 at the Stade de France.

. Group of 39 players:

Forwards: Fepsi Buthelesi, Ben-Jason Dixon, Peter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Vincent Koch, Sia Kolisi, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marks, Bonky Mbombi, Salman Mosrat S. Mossett, Trevor Nykane, Ivan Roos, Quagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenkamp, ​​Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Weiss

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damien d'Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Afelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mangomezulu, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Creel, Willy Le Roux, Manny Libbock, Maksold Mapimplar, Mon Van Den Berg, Edwil van der Merwe, and Grant Williams

© 2024 AFP