The first Springbok training camp of 2013 will be held in Cape Town from 14 to 16 April. 35 players including Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jan Serfontein and Robert Ebersohn have been invited to attend.
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer said: “With minimal time to prepare for the series involving Italy, Scotland and Samoa, we’ve approached the franchises, in line with the IRB Regulations, to ask for their assistance with these two camps. It’s important to keep continuity and it was very difficult to select only 35 players, as there are many more that are currently playing great rugby. There have been a number of new faces that have put up their hands this year, such as Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jan Serfontein and Robert Ebersohn, while we also have a high number of players out with injuries, but who will be available for the Tests in June.
“This group is by no means a final one for the June Tests and could still change in the coming months. There are other players that impressed me in the last couple of weeks and if they continue to keep up their form I will look at them for the second camp.â€
“Last year we didn’t have any time to sit with coaches at the various franchises and share ideas. They work with our top players on a daily basis and know them best, which makes their thoughts and insights very important to the national cause. I’ve been very well received and appreciated the time they gave me and the rest of the coaching team. I’ve learnt a lot from all of the franchises and hopefully we added some value to them as well.â€
Players invited to the first Springbok training camp of 2013
Forwards: Tendai Mtawarira, Jannie du Plessis, Frans Malherbe, Coenie Oosthuizen, Pat Cilliers, Adriaan Strauss, Bismarck du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Eben Etzebeth, Flip van der Merwe, Juandré Kruger, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Franco van der Merwe, Siya Kolisi, Marcell Coetzee, Willem Alberts, Arno Botha, Duane Vermeulen, Pierre Spies, Ryan Kankowski.
Backs: Jano Vermaak, Francois Hougaard, Pat Lambie, Morné Steyn, Elton Jantjies, Jean de Villiers, Frans Steyn, Juan de Jongh, Jan Serfontein, Robert Ebersohn, Bryan Habana, Lwazi Mvovo, Raymond Rhule, JP Pietersen, Bjorn Basson, Zane Kirchner.