Etzebeth joins Springboks in France as Ahmed returns to South Africa

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has called up experienced lock Eben Etzebeth to the national squad, who will join the team in France on Monday. Etzebeth, with 147 Test appearances, was initially ruled out of the squad due to injury but has since recovered. He will replace uncapped flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, who will return to South Africa on Sunday to recover from a sore shoulder.

Ahmed, one of six uncapped players in the squad, was sidelined during training sessions leading up to the Boks' 66-7 victory against Italy in Turin on Saturday. Erasmus expressed sadness for Ahmed, who had earned his first call-up to the national squad, but felt it was best for him to recover in South Africa. Ahmed will gain valuable experience and insight into the team's systems, which will benefit him as a player going forward.

Etzebeth's addition to the squad brings vast experience and valuable leadership skills, particularly with two important matches against France and Ireland in the next two weeks. Erasmus noted that the team has enough backline cover and versatile players, but opted to call up Etzebeth to strengthen the squad. The Springboks will face France at the Stade de France on Friday, with the match kicking off at 22h10 (SA time).

Erasmus will name his match-23 to face France on Monday. The Springboks are currently competing in the second phase of the Nations Championship. Etzebeth's experience and leadership skills are expected to be crucial in the team's upcoming matches.

Yaqeen Ahmed's sore shoulder saw him miss most of the training sessions in the build-up to the Italy match. Despite being called up to the national squad, Ahmed will return to South Africa to recover. Erasmus expressed confidence that Ahmed's experience with the team will benefit him immensely as a player going forward.

The Springboks' match against France will be broadcast live on SuperSport. The team is looking to improve on their performance, with Erasmus calling for improvement from the team after their victory against Italy. The match against France is a crucial one for the Springboks, who are seeking to strengthen their position in the Nations Championship.

The Test match between France and the Springboks will take place at the Stade de France, with the Springboks seeking to build on their 66-7 victory against Italy. Erasmus' team will be looking to put in a strong performance against France, with Etzebeth's experience and leadership skills expected to play a key role.

Key points

• Eben Etzebeth has been called up to the Springboks squad to replace injured Yaqeen Ahmed.
• Ahmed will return to South Africa to recover from a sore shoulder.
• The Springboks will face France at the Stade de France on Friday.