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

Springbok’s veteran scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is set to rejoin Rassie Erasmus’ team in New Zealand for the next phase of their Rugby Championship against the All Blacks. This crucial position will be reinforced as the team prepares to face off in Auckland and Wellington.

With De Klerk back in the fold, the squad gearing up for the opening Test in Auckland now features 36 players, while Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi remains in South Africa this week due to family obligations.

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

New Zealand has a perfect record at the historic Eden Park since 1994, with the last Springbok win there occurring on September 25, 1937.

Nevertheless, the Springboks enter this contest with a commendable history, having secured victories in their last four encounters with their fierce rivals, including an impressive 35-7 win just prior to the Rugby World Cup 2023 in London.

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