Two of the North West Dragons top players, Raynard van Tonder and Ruan de Swardt, have been included in the Proteas’ test group for the upcoming tour to New Zealand in February 2024.
Both Van Tonder and De Swardt showed form in the recent SA A series against West Indies A in November and are duly rewarded with a test call up.
They now stand a chance of making their Proteas debuts in New Zealand.
The Proteas’ squad featured numerous new faces for this tour as it overlaps with the SA 20 tournament. Contracted SA20 players are not available for the test team due to contractual obligations.
Regulars such as Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen and Keshav Maharaj amongst others will not be available.
Niel Brand of the Titans will captain the Proteas’ during the series. Eight players including Brand will make their debut in the series.
Proteas Test squad against New Zealand
Neil Brand (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), David Bedingham (Western Province), Ruan de
Swardt (North West Dragons), Clyde Fortuin (Gbets Rocks), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Tshepo
Moreki (DP World Lions), Mihlali Mpongwana (Western Province), Duanne Olivier (DP World Lions),
Dane Paterson (Western Province), Keegan Petersen (Gbets Rocks), Dane Piedt (ITEC Knights),
Raynard van Tonder (North West Dragons), Shaun von Berg (Gbets Rocks) and Khaya Zondo
(Hollywoodbets Dolphins).
Tour itinerary
Warm-up Match
29 – 31 January at 11:00 local time
New Zealand XI vs South Africa – Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University
Test Series
04 – 08 February at 11:00 local time
New Zealand vs South Africa – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
13 – 17 February at 11:00 local time
New Zealand vs South Africa – Seddon Park, Hamilton
