Salmaan Moerat will take the helm as the Springboks captain for the first time, leading a refreshed squad with seven uncapped players in their upcoming test against Portugal. 

This match, part of the Castle Lager Incoming Series, will take place in Bloemfontein on Saturday and will be a historic occasion, as it marks the first time the Springboks will be refereed by a woman, with Scotland’s Hollie Davidson officiating.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has included all seven uncapped players in his training squad. 

The starting lineup will see former Junior Springboks captain Phepsi Buthelezi (flanker), Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and Jan-Hendrik Wessels (prop) make their debuts. 

Additionally, Andre-Hugo Venter (hooker), Ruan Venter (loose forward), Morne van den Berg (scrumhalf), and Quan Horn (fullback) are poised to make their test debuts from the bench.

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The 26-year-old Moerat, who previously captained SA Schools, the Junior Springboks and the DHL Stormers, will become the 66th Springboks captain and the third to lead the team in four tests this year. 

Moerat's appointment underscores his leadership qualities and his extensive experience in leading various teams through the SA Rugby ranks.

The squad retains only four players from last Saturday’s match against Ireland: Kurt-Lee Arendse (wing), RG Snyman, Moerat (both locks) and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (utility back). 

Erasmus emphasized the need to balance experience with new talent, stating, "It was important for us to select a quality team with a bunch of experienced players while delivering on our objective of growing our squad depth by naming a few debutants."

Portugal has been steadily climbing the world rankings, currently holding the 15th spot, and made a significant impact at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. 

Erasmus acknowledged Portugal's recent performances, highlighting a victory against Fiji and a draw against Georgia, and anticipates a tough contest.

The match also will see the return of several Rugby World Cup winners, including Lukhanyo Am (center), Manie Libbok (fly-half), Cobus Reinach (scrumhalf), Trevor Nyakane and Thomas du Toit (props). 

Eight players from the team that defeated Wales 41-13 in London in June are included, adding to the blend of youth and experience.

Erasmus expressed confidence in the new players, stating, "We have full faith in their abilities, and we’re excited to see what they offer on the field on Saturday." 

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and building momentum ahead of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, noting the challenging nature of test rugby and the need for a top-quality performance against Portugal.

South Africa

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Salmaan Moerat (c), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn

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