No surprises as Bok squad announced

The thirty man Springbok squad to contest the Rugby World Cup in France in September was named in Cape Town today.

There were no last minute surprises and coach Jake White said he was happy with the selected squad.

“It’s an exciting mix of players many of whom have been together since I started my career as head coach of the Springboks.

“I have great confidence in these players. They will carry the flag for the nation during the tournament with pride.”

SARU President Oregan Hoskins encouraged the squad to do their best at the World Cup.

“Once the tournament starts, the whole nation will be looking up to these fine young South Africans to reflect a proud history of rugby excellence that has come to be associated with the Springboks.

“The players leave our shores with our blessings and good wishes.

“It’s a proud moment, not only for the players and their families, but also for all our supporters, in South Africa and abroad.”

The full Springbok squad in alphabetical order:
(number of caps in brackets)

Bakkies Botha (35) – Lock
BJ Botha (10) – Prop
Gary Botha (9) – Hooker
Schalk Burger (31) – Loose forward
Jean De Villiers (31) – Centre
Fourie Du Preez (30) – Scrumhalf
Os Du Randt (72) – Prop
Jaque Fourie (29) – Centre
Bryan Habana (27) – Wing
Butch James (18) – Flyhalf
Ricky Januarie (18) – Scrumhalf
Victor Matfield (58) – Lock
Percy Montgomery (85) – Fullback
Johann Muller (16) – Lock
Akona Ndungane (8) – Wing
Wynand Olivier (17) – Centre
Ruan Pienaar (12) – Scrumhalf
JP Pietersen (6) – Wing
Andre Pretorius (24) – Flyhalf
Danie Rossouw (24) – Loose forward
Bob Skinstad (38) – Loose forward
Pierre Spies (9) – Loose forward
John Smit (67) – Hooker (Captain)
Juan Smith (32) – Loose forward
Gurthro Steenkamp (11) – Prop
Francois Steyn (8) – Utility back
Albert van den Berg (46) – Lock
Wikus van Heerden (7) – Flank
CJ van der Linde (39) – Prop
Ashwin Willemse (16) – Wing