The Springbok squad to face Wales in a one-off Test in Cardiff on Saturday June 5 has been cleared to tour.
There were a few minor scares after the weekend’s bruising Vodacom Super 14 final between the Bulls and the Stormers with lock Andries Bekker (foot) and centre Juan de Jongh (bruised thigh) undergoing scans on Sunday morning.
Three of the five overseas-based players in the squad — Frans Steyn, Butch James and BJ Botha — assembled in Johannesburg while CJ van der Linde and Joe van Niekerk will join up with the squad on arrival in the United Kingdom.
“All the players are ready to tour,” said Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
“We have a short and intense week but it’s a challenge we are looking forward to.” he said.
Two newcomers — wing Gio Aplon and flank Francois Louw — were excited at the prospect of making their Test debuts at the Millennium Stadium.
“It’s a dream come true and I am looking forward to it,” said Aplon.
Louw remarked: “It’s fantastic. It is great to be included and I am ready for the hard work that is ahead this week.”
Springbok team: Frans Steyn; Gio Aplon, Jaque Fourie, Butch James, Odwa Ndungane; Ruan Pienaar, Ricky Januarie; Joe van Niekerk, Dewald Potgieter, Francois Louw; Andries Bekker, Danie Rossouw; BJ Botha, John Smit (captain), CJ van der Linde. Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Alistair Hargreaves, Ryan Kankowski, Meyer Bosman, Juan de Jongh, Bjorn Basson. — Sapa