Rassie names four Test debutants, hands Sharks flyhalf Moyo the keys against Wales

Four players will earn their first Springbok caps in Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Wales in Durban, with coach Rassie Erasmus naming debutants Jaco Williams, Vusi Moyo, Ruben van Heerden and Carlu Sadie in a balanced side.

The Springboks face the Welsh at Kings Park following two wins on the trot in the Nations Championship so far, with their most coming at Loftus this past weekend when they beat Scotland 42-28.

The Sharks duo of winger Williams and flyhalf Moyo are set to make their Test debuts at their home ground of Kings Park.

Lock Van Heerden, now plying his trade in France, and prop Carlu Sadie of Champions Cup champions Bordeaux Bègles complete the debut quartet.

READ | Pollard rebrand on the go as veteran Bok flyhalf makes emphatic World Cup point

Erasmus, South Africa’s longest-serving Springbok coach, has given every player in his expanded squad a chance to prove themselves with hooker Andre Hugo-Venter and scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies providing cover on the bench.

Venter will earn his second Test cap should he take the field after making his debut in 2024 against Portugal, while Jantjies last played in the green and gold jersey against Argentina in 2023.

Erasmus was thrilled to see the four uncapped players get their opportunity to play.

“They all played very well for their franchises this season, and have been working extremely hard at training, while waiting patiently for a chance to play, so we are delighted for them.

“Building squad depth has always been one of our pillars since 2018, and to have such an exciting group of players coming through is fantastic as we continue to build our squad for the future.

“We have full faith in their abilities, and I’m sure the senior guys around them will assist