Prop Mchunu drafted into Springbok squad
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled prop Ntuthuko Mchunu for the Argentina Test and New Zealand series, while the All Blacks named a 44-man squad featuring three uncapped players for their South African tour.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has called up prop Ntuthuko Mchunu to the national squad for the team’s preparations for the one-off Test against Argentina and the series against New Zealand.
The squad assembled in Johannesburg on Sunday evening and resumed their on-field preparations on Monday, with Mchunu joining them.
Mchunu earned his fourth Test cap against Scotland during the Nations Championship earlier this month.
His inclusion in the group increases Erasmus’ squad in Johannesburg to 44 players.
The Bok coach is set to name his travelling squad to Argentina for the Test in Buenos Aires on Saturday, 8 August, later in the week, with that group of players and management departing for Argentina in two groups on Saturday.
Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Dave Rennie named three uncapped players in a 44-strong squad on Monday, while Reiko Ioane and Fabian Holland return for the All Blacks tour of South Africa.
All 34 players from the successful Nations Championship campaign this month were retained, along with 10 additions to bolster the group for a gruelling seven-week tour that includes four Tests.
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Experienced 88-Test back Ioane, who recently completed a sabbatical at Irish side Leinster, was among seven recalled All Blacks, along with lock Holland, who missed the entire Super Rugby season after dislocating his shoulder.
Ollie Norris, George Bell, Ethan Blackadder, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa are the others.
Debutants Siale Lauaki, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa and Josh Jacomb were included with New Zealand facing four provincial sides as well as the Tests.
Regular captain Scott Barrett, along with prop Tamaiti Williams and wing Leicester Fainga'anuku, remain unavailable because of injury, with Ardie Savea again captaining the side.
Savea, however, has been granted an extended break and will miss the first three tour games against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls before returning for the opening Test.
