Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has called up three Rugby World Cup winners to the national squad for the first time this year. 

Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf) and Canan Moodie (utility back) have returned from injury in time for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship tests against New Zealand.

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In addition to these three players, Erasmus has also recalled Jasper Wiese (No. 8), Andre Esterhuizen (center) and Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (lock). 

This expanded 37-man squad will assemble in Johannesburg on Thursday ahead of two sold-out tests against their archrivals, to be held at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Aug. 31 and at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Sept. 7.

Despite the notable inclusions, the Springboks squad still faces several injury challenges. 

Locks Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager and Jean Kleyn remain sidelined, opening the door for Janse van Rensburg, who earns his second test call-up, having last appeared for the national team in 2021.

The current squad is largely consistent with the group that secured historic victories in Australia, as 31 of the 33 players who toured Australasia have been retained. 

The Springboks registered their first full house of points against the Wallabies in Brisbane and Perth, marking their first back-to-back victories on an Australasian tour since 1998.

With Hendrikse now recovered from a shoulder injury, and Kitshoff and Moodie returning after overcoming knee and finger injuries, Erasmus expressed confidence in his team's depth. The players excluded from the current squad - Morne van den Berg and Johan Grobbelaar - remain on standby, ready to step in should injuries arise.

"New Zealand is one of the best teams in the world, and they always push us to the limit," Erasmus said. "It’s great to have Steven, Jaden and Canan back from injury, alongside Jasper and Andre. Their experience and skillsets will be crucial for these upcoming tests."

Despite the challenges, Erasmus is optimistic, noting that RG Snyman, who suffered a minor foot injury during training in Brisbane, could be available for the first test in Johannesburg. Erasmus also is excited about the potential of younger players who have impressed the coaching staff this season.

After the tests against New Zealand, the Springboks will head to Argentina for the next stage of the Championship, before concluding their campaign with a final match in Nelspruit.

Springboks Squad For New Zealand Leg Of The Castle Lager Rugby Championship:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).

Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).

Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).

Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).

Centers: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).

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