De Klerk Joins Springboks in New Zealand, Bongi Remains Back Home

Springbok’s experienced scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is poised to join Rassie Erasmus’ squad in New Zealand for the upcoming segment of their Rugby Championship against the All Blacks. The team will clash in Auckland and Wellington, bolstering this crucial role.

With De Klerk’s inclusion, the squad preparing for the first Test in Auckland now consists of 36 players, as Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi remained in South Africa this week due to family commitments.

The Springboks will face their historic rivals, the All Blacks, at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, September 6, followed by a match in Wellington at Sky Stadium on Saturday, September 13.

New Zealand has maintained an unbeaten record at the iconic Eden Park since 1994, with the last Springbok victory there dating back to September 25, 1937.

However, the Springboks come into this match with a solid track record, having won their last four meetings against their fierce competitors, including a notable 35-7 victory right before the Rugby World Cup 2023 in London.

The Springboks clinched their World Cup victory in the final against the All Blacks at Stade de France in Paris, securing the title by just one point and achieving their record fourth championship.