Who are the FOUR uncapped players in the Springboks team to face Wales? - Ruck
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Who are the FOUR uncapped players in the Springboks team to face Wales?

13 July 2026
Tom Sansom

Rassie Erasmus has once again named the Springboks match day squad early, with the 23-player ensemble set to face Wales confirmed this morning by the head coach.

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Sticking with his trend of strengthening the South African squad depth even more ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Erasmus has yet again made several changes to his match day team with four uncapped players set for debut against Wales. The new look group also includes Andre-Hugo Venter, who is set to make his second Springboks cap following his 2024 debut against Portugal.

The back-to-back World Champions are in tremendous form thus far in the Nations Championship, with two impressive wins under their belts against Northern Hemisphere tourists England (45-21) and Scotland (42-28) over the past fortnight. Erasmus has kept true to his pre-tournament method of bringing through aspiring Springboks stars, and in this article we take a deep dive into the next quartet to debut in Durban this Saturday.

WHO ARE THE 4 UNCAPPED SPRINGBOKS TO FACE WALES?

1. JACO WILLIAMS (SHARKS)

Still only 20 years old, Jaco Williams is the youngest of South Africa’s four uncapped selections and arguably the biggest statement of intent from Rassie Erasmus. The Sharks speedster has enjoyed a meteoric rise, progressing from Glenwood High School to Craven Week honours before helping the Sharks lift the 2025 U21 Cup.

Having represented South Africa at both Under-19 and Under-20 level, Williams quickly forced his way into the senior Sharks setup, announcing himself with a try in just his first URC start against the Stormers. Comfortable on either wing or at full-back, Williams offers the explosive acceleration, sharp footwork and counter-attacking instincts that have become hallmarks of modern Springbok outside backs.

Despite standing at just 1.75m, he possesses deceptive strength and an excellent aerial game, making him far more than an elusive finisher. Included in Erasmus’ first alignment camp of 2026, his elevation has come faster than many expected, but Saturday’s clash with Wales presents the ideal opportunity for one of South African rugby’s brightest young prospects to announce himself on the international stage.

2. VUSI MOYO (SHARKS)

If Jaco Williams represents South Africa’s exciting future out wide, then Vusi Moyo could be the long-term answer at fly-half. The 20-year-old Sharks playmaker has climbed rapidly through the Springbok pathway, starring for South Africa’s Under-20 side as they lifted the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship before returning for a second Junior Boks campaign in 2026. Across 11 appearances at that level, Moyo amassed 84 points, underlining both his composure from the tee and his ability to control matches.

A graduate of Johannesburg’s famed King Edward VII School, Moyo has already earned a taste of senior international rugby after featuring in the uncapped fixture against the Barbarians in Gqeberha. Although he has only one senior Sharks appearance to his name, Erasmus clearly views him as a player capable of thriving in the Springbok environment.

With veteran Handré Pollard rotated out, South Africa are keen to broaden their fly-half depth behind the injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the progressing Manie Libbok, Wales could provide the perfect opportunity for one of the country’s brightest young playmakers to earn his first official Test cap.

3. RUBEN VAN HEERDEN (STORMERS)

Ruben van Heerden’s call-up has been years in the making. The towering Stormers lock has quietly developed into one of the United Rugby Championship’s most consistent second rows, producing an outstanding 2025/26 campaign built on relentless work-rate, dominant lineout play and abrasive physicality.

After spells with the Bulls, Sharks and Exeter Chiefs, the 28-year-old has found his best rugby in Cape Town, becoming a cornerstone of John Dobson’s forward pack. A former South Africa Under-20 international, Van Heerden has long hovered on the fringes of the senior setup but now arrives with the maturity and experience to genuinely challenge for a Test jersey.

His ability to call lineouts, carry effectively in heavy traffic and deliver around the breakdown makes him an ideal fit for the Springbok pack. With several established locks being managed following a demanding club season, Van Heerden offers dependable second-row cover ahead of his full Test debut against Wales.

4. CARLU SADIE (BORDEUAX-BEGLES)

Carlü Sadie finally receives the Springbok opportunity many felt his club form had long deserved. The powerful tight-head has rebuilt his career through consistent excellence, first with the Lions and Sharks before his run as the tight-head cornerstone of Bordeaux Bègles’ rise into the European elite. Back-to-back Investec Champions Cup triumphs with the French club has helped cement his reputation, with Sadie combining immense set-piece power with impressive mobility around the field.

A former Junior Springbok, the 29-year-old brings valuable experience from both the URC and Top 14, offering genuine competition to South Africa’s established front-row stocks despite the. His proven ability against elite European opposition and relentless work at the breakdown make him an ideal fit for the Springboks’ forward-focused game plan. With Erasmus keen to build depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Sadie gets his opportunity to star this Summer, following the likes of Thomas du Toit, Wilco Louw and Zach Porthern already in green and gold.

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