De Klerk Heads to New Zealand with Springboks, Bongi Stays Behind

Springbok’s seasoned scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is set to rejoin Rassie Erasmus’ squad in New Zealand for the forthcoming clashes in their Rugby Championship against the All Blacks. The matches will take place in Auckland and Wellington, highlighting this vital position.

With De Klerk’s return, the roster preparing for the opening Test in Auckland now features 36 players, as Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi has stayed in South Africa this week due to familial obligations.

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

New Zealand has upheld an undefeated streak at the renowned Eden Park since 1994, with the last Springbok win there tracing back to September 25, 1937.

Nevertheless, the Springboks enter this encounter with a strong record, having triumphed in their past four meetings against their rivals, including a remarkable 35-7 win just prior to the Rugby World Cup 2023 in London.

The Springboks secured their World Cup triumph in the final against the All Blacks at Stade de France in Paris, clinching the title by a narrow margin and achieving their remarkable fourth championship.