South Africa’s Squad for European tour announced

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has named four new players in the Springbok squad for the end-of-year tour to Europe.

Cell C Sharks flanker Jean-Luc du Preez, Bulls fetcher flank Roelof Smit, Cheetahs wing Sergeal Petersen and centre and skipper Francois Venter are set to earn their first caps. Veteran prop Jannie du Plessis has earned a recall to the Springboks, who play the Barbarians, England, Italy and Wales in November.

Coach Coetzee believes the Springboks must stick to playing test match-winning rugby.

“The Baabaas, you must understand, because it is not a test, doesn’t mean we go out there to entertain,” Coetzee explained.

“That is the Baabaas philosophy. We play to get a basis to get a successful tour off the ground. You can’t just play one game and the next week against England you want to change all your plans and whole mindset.

“The Barbarians will test us but we will have to make sure we stick to our processes to win test match rugby.”

“Because of the regulation 9, it is clear that overseas based players can’t play outside the international window. Therefore we have a 30 man squad that will prepare to play against the Barbarians. And then obviously the three other internationals follow after that – England, Italy and Wales.

“I see it as a great opportunity for a lot of young players to get a taste of international rugby. To get a taste of being in the Springbok culture and also as a great reward for consistent performances during Super Rugby and Currie Cup. It is really a positive and I’m excited about that.

“We have a 30 man squad that will work hard and make sure we get off to a good start on tour. That is important, because the first game against the Baa-baas will set a good platform for the tour. Therefore it is really important in my opinion to start well.”

Coetzee said there were a few players unlucky not to make it, with Cheetahs prop Ox Nche and Bulls winger Travis Ismaiel as two of the unlucky ones. But they are on the standbye list, and could be called up if there is an injury.

“I’m very excited about the young talent and although a lot of players are unlucky not to have made that squad. I must also say that the final of a Currie Cup is not the benchmark for selection, it is about consistent performances throughout Currie Cup. Certain players played well yesterday and others didn’t play that well but a team has to be selected and approved 2 weeks before the time.

“Certain guys are on standbye, they’ve missed out and they have been informed to be on standbye and hopefully all of them can get an opportunity. I now will also see who will be the guys who going forward can make it at this level.”

The Springboks are scheduled to leave for England this weekend.

Springbok Squad For Tests

Forwards: Willem Alberts, Lood de Jager, Jannie du Plessis, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Jaco Kriel, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Oupa Mohoje, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Roelof Smit, Adriaan Strauss (captain), Warren Whiteley.

Backs: Ruan Combrinck, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Johan Goosen, Bryan Habana, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Pat Lambie, Willie le Roux, Lionel Mapoe, Rudy Paige, Sergeal Petersen, JP Pietersen, Piet van Zyl, Francois Venter.

Springbok Squad For Barbarians

Forwards: Lourens Adriaanse, Nizaam Carr, Uzair, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Lizo Gqoboka, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Oupa Mohoje, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Roelof Smit, Adriaan Strauss (captain).