Planet Rugby runs through the standout selection calls in the Springbok 23 for the Nations Championship opener against England. On the positive side, Libbok gets his chance at 10 with Feinberg-Mngomezulu injured and Pollard's stock falling sharply — a strong showing could cement him there for the tournament. Porthen is flagged as the long-term beneficiary of a generational front-row shift, while Reinach's inclusion is framed not as veteran charity but as a reflection of genuinely elite form at 36. Etzebeth's return after his 12-week ban, with just one club game back under his belt, is notable given the rust factor.
The sharpest selection story sits with the 'losers': Van der Merwe scored four tries against the Barbarians and still got dropped for Arendse — nine tries in six appearances and he still can't hold a starting spot, which says everything about the Bok depth. Pollard's omission cuts deeper still — left out entirely despite no specialist cover on the bench, suggesting Erasmus's confidence in him has genuinely eroded. Grobbelaar falls out despite starting all five autumn tests, with Wessels and Van Staden's hybrid utility at hooker making them more attractive squad options. Full breakdown of every call is in the original.