Rassie Erasmus has named his Springboks squad for the northern hemisphere leg of the Nations Championship, but one notable omission has left fans questioning his selection.

Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, Handre Pollard and André Esterhuizen will all miss the tour through injury.

South Africa face Italy, France and Ireland before heading to London for the Nations Championship Finals Weekend.

Erasmus has selected a 37-man squad, including six uncapped players who have received their first official Test call-ups.

Yaqeen Ahmed, Sebastian de Klerk, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Riley Norton and Emmanuel Tshituka are all included.

Experienced campaigners such as captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende have also retained their places.

However, one player many supporters believe deserved an opportunity is young Sharks full-back Zekhethelo Siyaya.

The uncapped teenager has progressed through the Sharks’ youth system, representing the side at the 2023 U16 Grant Khomo Week before earning selection for the South African U18 Schools team in both 2024 and 2025.

Siyaya made his senior Sharks debut in April 2026 and quickly caught the eye at full-back in the United Rugby Championship.

He scored his first senior try against Zebre in his fourth appearance before earning an invitation to the Springboks’ alignment camp. He subsequently started on the wing for South Africa A against Zimbabwe.

At just 19, Siyaya is regarded as a player with enormous potential. Many supporters believe he should have been fast-tracked into the senior squad to gain valuable experience at Test level.

One Instagram user expressed their surprise at his omission, writing: "I’m surprised Siyaya didn’t get a shout. He’s been great."

Another supporter shared that view, commenting: "Feel like Siyaya deserved a shot here, but a fire squad nonetheless- in DR Rassie we trust."

Others were equally keen to see the youngster included, with one fan simply stating: "I was hoping to see Siyaya."

However, not everyone was convinced by the criticism of Erasmus' selection.

A prominent South African professional bodybuilder, who serves as the official #1 Impi Warrior for the Springboks national rugby team, defended the head coach and hit back at those questioning his decisions.

He wrote: "And just like that. The internet coaches who have won two world cups are back.. oh wait only one man has done that."