New-look Springbok squad announced
Springbok coach, Allister Coetzee, has announced the new Springbok squad for the Castle Lager Incoming Series against Ireland.
According SARugby the squad includes nine uncapped players.
The uncapped players are Garth April (flyhalf), Ruan Combrinck (wing), Faf de Klerk (scrumhalf), Nic Groom (scrumhalf), Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jaco Kriel (flank), Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (flank) and Scarra Ntubeni (hooker).
The squad will report for duty on Sunday afternoon for the start of a two week-long preparation camp in Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
“I believe we have picked the best possible, available squad,” said Coetzee.
“We will now start with our preparations in earnest so that we can be ready for Ireland in Cape Town two weeks from now.”
Coetzee gives a reason for not naming team captain: “I want to work with the squad before making a decision…”
“We have a number of captaincy candidates to consider and I will announce the name of the captain when we name the team to face Ireland in Cape Town.” concluded the Bok coach.
The three Tests between the Springboks and Ireland will take place on 11 June at DHL Newlands in Cape Town, on 18 June at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg and on 25 June at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
South Africa squad to face Ireland
Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Jaco Kriel, Francois Louw, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Scarra Ntubeni, Trevor Nyakane, Julian Redelinghuys, Adriaan Strauss, Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley
Backs: Garth April, Ruan Combrinck, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Nic Groom, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Patrick Lambie, Willie le Roux, Lionel Mapoe, Lwazi Mvovo, Rudy Paige, JP Pietersen, Jan Serfontein
