South Africa's Springbok rugby team, under coach Rassie Erasmus, is set to face Portugal in a one-off match with a significantly different team composition, including many inexperienced players and newcomers. The squad, captained by Salmaan Moerat, features a mix of seasoned players like Makazole Mapimpi and emerging talents such as Ntuthuko Mchunu and Quan Horn. Erasmus aims to build squad depth and prepare for future competitions like the 2027 Rugby World Cup, balancing the need for player development with the goal of winning against Portugal. The team's strategy includes managing players effectively throughout a challenging season with upcoming fixtures in the Rugby Championship and a European tour. The selection process reflects a shift towards testing new players while maintaining competitiveness and readiness for the match against Portugal.