A look at the nine uncapped players in the Springbok squad

2024 was a year of immense growth for the World Champions, as Erasmus used 51 players across the 13 Tests and blooded 12 debutants. And if Thursday's squad announcement is anything to go by, the Bok Brains Trust is eager to increase depth once more in 2025.

Here, we take a look at the nine uncapped Springboks named in the initial 54-man training squad.

1. Marnus van der Merwe - Scarlets Marnus van der Merwe is a dynamic hooker that cut his teetch at the Cheetahs before moving to Wales in 2024. The Nelspruit native has developed since departing for pastures new. He is known for his aggressive ball-carrying, scrummaging, physicality and high work rate.

2. Neethling Fouche - StormersA mobile tighthead prop, Fouche has anchored the Stormers' scrum with consistency for several seasons now. With strong set-piece skills and a growing presence in open play, his inclusion brings a new look to the Bok front row.

3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye - Lions A product of the SA junior rugby pathway, the 150kg prop has made a name for himself with his soft hands and crunching hits. Ntlabakanye has become a cult hero in Johannesburg, earning the apt nickname  'Jozi Bulldozer'. Added to that, his powerful scrummaging and ball-carrying make him a standout prospect for the Boks.

4. Cobus Wiese - BullsYounger brother of Bok hardman Jasper, Cobus Wiese brings versatility as a lock or blindside flanker. Wiese has a high work ethic, lineout presence and relentless defensive efforts. He has held his own amongst competition for places in the Bulls' forwards.

5. Renzo du Plessis - Lions The 22-year-old is a fast-emerging talent in the Lions' loose forward stocks. A hard-hitting flanker, he has gained attention for his relentless defence and breakdown skills. His raw athleticism and youth make him an exciting prospect for the Boks.

6. Vincent Tshituka - Sharks Tshituka has taken the road less travelled. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, his family moved to SA when he was young, and he only picked up a rugby ball when he was 14. Now a powerful and dynamic loose forward, Tshituka is finally eligible for selection.

7. Juarno Augustus - Northampton SaintsA former World Rugby U20 Player of the Year, Augustus left the Stormers in 2021 and has gone from strength to strength at the Saints. Known for his bulldozing runs at No.8, Augustus' explosive power and agility from the base of the scrum add depth to the Boks' back row.

8. Ethan Hooker - Sharks A rising centre from Durban, Ethan Hooker made waves at the Sharks with his speed, tackle busting, attacking and composure beyond his years. Hooker has proved his versitlity as well, playing in both centres and both wings.

9. Ntokozo Makhaza - UCTThe prodigy has been given his flowers. The Ikey Tigers flyhalf had a sensational season in the Varsity Cup where he guided UCT to the title. The nimble No.10 is renowned for his sharp footwork, kicking from the tee and out of hand as well as calm decision-making. A playmaker for the future, he has signed for the Cheetahs for 2025.

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