Meet South Africa's 954th - and newest - Springbok
Paul de Villiersreceived a shock call-up to theSpringboks’starting XV mere hours before kick-off againstEnglandat Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday. Initially omitted from the matchday 23-man squad,. . .
Paul de Villiersreceived a shock call-up to theSpringboks’starting XV mere hours before kick-off againstEnglandat Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday. Initially omitted from the matchday 23-man squad, thanks to the late withdrawals of lockEben Etzebeth(head knock) and loose forwardSiya Kolisi(hamstring), De Villiers was parachuted into the starting team – to make his debut. Check the latest Springboks odds with SportingbetDe Villiers, still only 23, attendedHoër Landbouskool Oakdale. He became thefifthSpringbok produced by the Riversdale school. PlayerTestsJohann Muller24Pedrie Wannenburg20Meyer Bosman3JC Janse van Rensburg0Paul de Villiers1*Note: JC Janse van Rensburg was selected for the Springboks but didn’t actually play. He is however, credited as being Springbok# 847. MatiesMeanwhile, De Villiers will forever be Springbok No954. De Villiers was born in George and studied at Stellenbosch University. He came through the academy system at Western Province, representing their U21 side. De Villiers represented South Africa U20 in 2022 and 2023, being named captain in 2023. Professional careerDe Villiers made his professional debut for Western Province in the 2023 Currie Cup Premier Division, debuting against the Sharks. He remains a key member of the Stormers squad ahead ahead of the 2026/27 season. De Villiers put in a standout performance on his international debut, helping the Springboks to a resounding45-21victory over England. South Africa vs England15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian De Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Cameron Hanekom, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), 3 Thomas Du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox NcheReplacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Ben-Jason Dixon, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Andre Esterhuizen, 23 Canan Moodie