The Springbok squad for the home leg of the Trinations has been announced.
Forwards:
BJ Botha (Ulster)
– A regular in the side contradicting PDV’s claims that he would not pick overseas-based players and that they’re off the pace.
Schalk Burger (Stormers)
– Back to his headless chicken days without a plan from Gary Gold.
Jannie du Plessis (Sharks)
– Solid, not spectacular.
Ryan Kankowski (Sharks)
– Where does he fit in to the current Bok gameplan? Definitely not at flank hey Gary?
Francois Louw (Stormers)
– Back after being dropped for the Aussie game in what is widely regarded as the worst selection blunder in years (Gary take a bow).
Victor Matfield (Bulls)
– Out on his feet and needs a serious rest.
Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks)
– Back in the mix.
Dewald Potgieter (Bulls)
– Playing a holding role while Brussouw recovers.
Chiliboy Ralepelle (Bulls)
– Still no faith in his abilities from the coaches – so must be a token appointment at best.
Danie Rossouw (Bulls)
– Out on his feet and needs a serious rest.
John Smit (Sharks, captain)
– Out on his feet and needs a serious rest and fitness regime. Being rolled out for his 100th test despite his poor form.
Juan Smith (Cheetahs)
– Great to see him back.
Pierre Spies (Bulls)
– Out on his feet and needs a serious rest. Been exposed as the most overhyped No.8 in world rugby. Still goes missing.
Gurthro Steenkamp (Bulls)
– In the form of his life, but must surely need a rest.
CJ van der Linde (Cheetahs)
– Solid not spectacular.
Flip van der Merwe (Bulls)
– Still learning the ropes.
Backs:
Gio Aplon (Stormers)
– Will hopefully inject some attacking spark into our backs.
Juan de Jongh (Stormers)
– Should start at 13 with Fourie banned for the Soweto test.
Jean de Villiers (Stormers)
– Play him at 12 and 12 only.
Jaque Fourie (Stormers)
– Misses the first home game.
Bryan Habana (Stormers)
– Out on his feet and needs a serious rest.
Francois Hougaard (Bulls)
– Should start ahead of McJanuarie with Ruan Pienaar out injured and then overseas. Has Pienaar played his last test?
Ricky Januarie (Stormers)
– Ruan Pienaar’s injury gives him a place on the bench – hoepfully not starting.
Butch James (Bath)
– Another strange selection contradicting PDV’s claims that he would not pick overseas-based players and that they’re off the pace.
Zane Kirchner (Bulls)
– Not international quality – holding Steyn’s place for him in the team.
Wynand Olivier (Bulls)
– Been given plenty of chances but a Super14 player at best.
JP Pietersen (Sharks)
– Hopefully he is building back up to his form from the last RWC. He is the opposite of New Zealand – he only peaks in RWC years!
Frans Steyn (Racing Metro)
– Injured two days before the squad was announced so will probably play no part in the Trinations campaign.
– LATEST: Has been cleared of injury and will join the Springbok squad on Thursday. Scan results were positive and he will return from France to train with the Boks. He is likely to play fullback against the All Blacks.
– LATEST LATEST: Out of the All Blacks test because injured and SARU didn’t arrange with his club. PDV questioning his commitment to the Boks…
Morné Steyn (Bulls).
– Out on his feet and needs a serious rest. Needs Fourie Du Preez on his inside to take the pressure off.
