Flanker Siya Kolisi will become South Africa's first black Test captain in the three-match series against England next month. The 26-year-old - who has played 28 international Tests - replaces the injured Warren Whiteley as captain.
Erasmus has also recalled five overseas-based players for the upcoming Tests – Sale Sharks scrum-half Faf de Klerk, Wasps full-back Willie le Roux, Montpellier hooker Bismarck du Plessis and centre Frans Steyn, and Toulon No 8 Duane Vermeulen. In all, Erasmus has selected a squad of 43, which includes 17 uncapped players. Twenty six of those players have travelled to Washington to prepare for the Wales Test while the remainder of the squad – bar du Plessis and Steyn, who are involved in this weekend’s Top 14 final – are training in Johannesburg ahead of the England series.
This is the 43-man South Africa squad for their four June Tests:
FORWARDS: Nizaam Carr, Bismarck du Plessis, Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Jason Jenkins, Steven Kitshoff,
Siya Kolisi (captain), Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Oupa Mohojé, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Ox Nche, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Akker van der Merwe, Duane Vermeulen.
BACKS: Lukhanyo Am, Curwin Bosch, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Robert du Preez, Aphiwe Dyantyi, André Esterhuizen, Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Sibusiso Nkosi, Embrose Papier, Handré Pollard, Frans Steyn, Ivan van Zyl, Cameron Wright.
South Africa’s Test schedule
9 June England (Johannesburg - Emirates Park)
23 June England (Cape Town - DHL Newlands)
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