{
  "id": 18971684,
  "title": "Springboks call on experienced lock Etzebeth ahead of France clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/springboks-call-on-experienced-lock-etzebeth-ahead-of-france-clash",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T15:59:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/springboks-call-experienced-lock-etzebeth-ahead-france-clash-6534411"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa has included seasoned lock Eben Etzebeth in their squad for the upcoming Nations Championship games against France and Ireland, following the withdrawal of fellow second row Salmaan Moerat due to back spasms. Etzebeth, 35, was initially sidelined with injury but has been recalled after the second row's exit from the match against Italy. The experienced player, who holds the record for the most test appearances with 147, is poised to join the matchday 23 team against France when coach Rassie Erasmus announces his selection on Monday. Flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, 20, is among six uncapped players in the squad, but with ample coverage at his position, there will be no direct replacement. Coach Erasmus highlighted the value of Etzebeth's experience and leadership, especially in the critical matches ahead.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "France have flyhalf issues ahead of Boks Test, White warns of noisy crowd in Paris",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/france-have-flyhalf-issues-ahead-of-boks-test-white-warns-of-noisy",
        "published": "2026-11-08T11:59:29.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Springboks out to haunt France again as Boks carry impressive Paris record into showdown",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/springboks-out-to-haunt-france-again-as-boks-carry-impressive-paris",
        "published": "2026-11-08T14:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}