\n<\/p>\n
Erasmus is without second rows Salmaan Moerat (knee) and Lood de Jager (shoulder), scrum-half Faf de Klerk (thigh) and prop Steven Kitshoff (neck). <\/p>\n
“There’s no doubt there are several unlucky players who could easily have made the touring squad, but unfortunately we can only select 34 players,” said Erasmus.<\/p>\n
“Damian, Andre and RG all returned to action in the United Rugby Championship and have made a strong statement with their performances, and we all know what a work horse Franco is and the quality he adds to the team.”<\/p>\n
Erasmus’ side have lost just two games this season, to Ireland and Argentina, and beat New Zealand twice during their recent Rugby Championship campaign. <\/p>\n
“We are under no illusions about the quality of the opposition we will face, and we have experienced first-hand how their home crowds lift them, much like our passionate supporters, so we know what it will take to be successful over there,” added Erasmus. <\/p>\n
“Fortunately, we have a squad that believes in themselves and their abilities, and that will be vital as we enter these matches.<\/p>\n
“Obviously we’ll take confidence from winning the Rugby Championship, but the reality is that’s now history, and there’s no doubt that will motivate the opposition even more to make a strong statement against us.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n