Erasmus leaves six uncapped players out of Italy squad

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has left six uncapped players out of his 23-man squad for the Italy match, while saying he hopes to give them opportunities later on tour. The six are Riley Norton, Emmanuel Tshituka, Yaqeen Ahmed, Markus Muller, Sebastian de Klerk and Luan Giliomee. None was selected for the match-day squad, which includes lock Salmaan Moerat. Erasmus said the newcomers would be introduced to the team’s structures and monitored as the tour progresses. He expressed hope they could show what they can do against top opposition, but did not confirm that any would play. South Africa are scheduled to face Italy on November 7, followed by France in Paris on November 13 and Ireland in Dublin on November 21. Erasmus has described the remaining matches as vital to building a foundation for the tour and advancing to the Nations Championship final. His immediate focus, he said, was Italy. The match-day selection favors experienced players for the opening fixture of the European leg. Moerat, who has returned from injury, was named at lock. The six uncapped players remain in the larger touring squad, but their absence from the Italy 23 leaves their potential debuts...