South Africa name squad with a few surprises – Rugby News Update
Heyneke Meyer, head coach of South Africa, has announced a 32-man squad that will play England in a three-match test series, starting at Durban on June 9.
There are some notable exceptions and surprise call-ups but the head coach of the Springboks believes that this is the team that is likely to defeat the English. He only called up one overseas player in Ulster playmaker, Ruan Pienaar.
Meyer said, "We feel that these players have what it takes to play for the Springboks and they were close to selection in the final squad. However, these three weeks provide the ideal opportunity to work with them, show them what the Springbok culture is
all about and hopefully put them on the right track to play for South Africa sooner rather than later. By doing this now, we will reap the dividends going forward."
His selection was hindered by injuries and he could not select the promising U-20 South African players, as they are playing in the Junior World Championship.
Scrum-half Fourie du Preez and flanker Heinrich Brussow were notable omissions from the squad, considering du Preez, who plays for Suntory in Japan, was rumoured to be named the captain of the team.
However, there are nine new additions to the side. These include flankers Marcell Coetzee and Jacques Potgieter, locks Eben Etzebeth, Juandré Kruger and Franco van der Merwe, fly-half Elton Jantjies, wing or centre JJ Engelbrecht, prop Coenie Oosthuizen
and scrum-half Jano Vermaak.
“We were always looking to start the season with an experienced squad to face England, but injuries to certain players and the non-availability of others have made it difficult," said Meyer on the team selection.
It will be a gruelling series for both teams.
South Africa squad: Willem Alberts, Bjorn Basson, Marcell Coetzee, Keegan Daniel, Jean de Villiers, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, JJ Engelbrecht, Eben Etzebeth, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Elton Jantjies, Ryan Kankowski, Zane
Kirchner, Juandré Kruger, Werner Kruger, Patrick Lambie, Tendai Mtawarira, Lwazi Mvovo, Wynand Olivier, Coenie Oosthuizen, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Jacques Potgieter, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Pierre Spies, Frans Steyn, Morné Steyn, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van
der Merwe, Franco van der Merwe, Jano Vermaak
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