Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a group of 54 players for the second alignment camp that includes three new invitees.<\/b><\/p>\n
Northampton Saints star Juarno Augustus is one of the new additions after playing a starring role in the Investec Champions Cup victory over Leinster.<\/p>\n
The number eight is joined by Sharks star and Congolese-born Vincent Tshituka, who recently became eligible for the Springboks having received his South African ID book last month.<\/p>\n
But perhaps the most surprising inclusion is that of Ntokozo Makhaza who recently signed for the Cheetahs off the back of yet another outstanding Varsity Cup campaign with Ikeys. The exciting outside back is yet to play a full-fledged professional match.<\/p>\n
Springbok alignment camp<\/p>\n
The camp will take place in person in Cape Town for local players, and virtually for players based outside South Africa<\/a>, on Thursday 22 May and Friday 23 May, respectively.<\/p>\n 36 players will attend the in-person camp, with 18 players currently plying their trade abroad in Japan and the northern hemisphere joining virtually, training schedule permitting.<\/p>\n The group includes eight uncapped players in Augustus<\/a>, Tshituka<\/a>, Makhaza, Renzo du Plessis, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Marnus van der Merwe and Cobus Wiese.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie, and Trevor Nyakane are the five players who were not considered for the alignment camp due to injuries. A notable absentee from the group is, however, Stormers star Evan Roos.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s always difficult to reduce the size of the squad with the abundance of talent in South African rugby, but we were limited in the number of players we could select for the camp, and we are confident that we have sufficient cover in all positions within this group,\u201d Erasmus<\/a> explained.<\/p>\n SA Rugby confirms that the camp will include a series of boardroom sessions over the two days as the Boks gear up for the international season, which kicks off on Saturday 28 June with the first-ever home game between the Springboks and Barbarians.<\/p>\n \u2018Privilege and honour to be his coach\u2019 \u2013 Jake White leads tributes for former Springboks winger Cornal Hendricks<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis is an exciting bunch of players who have all made their mark in their respective competitions this season, and we are thrilled to invite a few talented new players to the camp,\u201d Bok coach Erasmus said.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have all made a strong statement in big competitions under immense pressure at times, so we are looking forward to working with them.\u201d<\/p>\n Erasmus added that the team\u2019s preparations for the season were at an advanced stage: \u201cThe coaches and management staff have been working around the clock to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for what will be a challenging season, and all the operational and logistical aspects are in place for everything to run as smoothly as possible, so we are excited for the season ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n Northampton Saints player ratings v Leinster: \u2018Brutally\u2019 effective Augustus stars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n