South African Rugby Union reveals new 49-man squad for 2011 Rugby World Cup
South African Rugby Union (SARU) has announced a new and shortened 49-man squad from which the final 30 members of the 2011 Rugby World Cup will be chosen in August.
Earlier in April, SARU announced a 51-man provisional squad that participated in the two of three national training camps held in May and June.
The last of the three national camps was cancelled due to the players’ commitments in the 2011 Super Ruby Championships. Springboks head coach, Peter de Villiers, announced the 49-man squad on Monday, June 20.
Springboks have preferred experience over youth as the squad includes 21 World Cup winners. Besides this, SARU has also included four overseas players in the squad. The overseas played are Frans Steyn who plays for the Racing Metro
in French Top 14 and the trio of BJ Botha, Johan Muller and Ruan Pienaar who play for Ulster in the Magners League/RaboDirect Pro 12.
Commenting on the occasion, de Villiers said, “I'm very happy with the squad, We have got a good blend of youth and experience as well as including some uncapped players who have forced their way into contention for selection with
their performances in Super Rugby.”
Peter de Villiers further added, “Our planning is at an advanced stage for the international season and the vast majority of these players have attended one or both of our planning camps”.
SARU is expected to announce their squad for the upcoming Tri Nations contest in a few weeks time.
South Africa - Backs: Gio Aplon, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Ricky Januarie, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (all Stormers), Bjorn Basson, Francois Hougaard, Zane Kirchner, Wynand Olivier, Fourie du Preez, Morne Steyn (all Bulls), Adrian
Jacobs, Patrick Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen (all Sharks), Butch James, Elton Jantjies (both Lions), Ruan Pienaar (Ulster), Francois Steyn (Racing Metro)
Forwards: Willem Alberts, Alistair Hargreaves, Ryan Kankowski, Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, John Smit (capt) (all Sharks), Andries Bekker, Schalk Burger, Francois Louw, Duane Vermeulen (all Stormers), Bakkies Botha,
Dean Greyling, Werner Kruger, Victor Matfield (vice-capt), Flip van der Merwe, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Pierre Spies, Gurthro Steenkamp, Deon Stegmann (all Bulls), BJ Botha, Johann Muller (both Ulster), Heinrich Brussow, Ashley Johnson, Coenie Oosthuizen,
Juan Smith, Adriaan Strauss (all Cheetahs)
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