South African coach Rudolf Straeuli on Wednesday released a squad but delayed naming his starting team for Saturday night’s Tri-Nations rugby international with New Zealand in Wellington.
Straeuli wants to look at the playing surface and Wellington’s weather conditions on Thursday before settling on the final team for South Africa’s opening match of the series.
Utility back Brent Russell and hooker Delaray du Preez were the only players in the travelling group omitted from the squad.
Free State and Cats flanker Hendro Scholtz is the only uncapped player in the 22-man squad, which will be led by Corne Krige.
The Springboks have been training here this week and will return on Sunday to prepare for their match against the Wallabies at the Gabba on July 27.
New Zealand opened the Tri-Nations tournament with a 12-6 win over Australia in Christchurch last Saturday.
South Africa – Werner Greeff, Stefan Terblanche, Breyton Paulse, Dean Hall, Marius Joubert, Adrian Jacobs, De Wet Barry, Andre Pretorius, Johannes Conradie, Neil de Kock, Bob Skinstad, Joe van Niekerk, Hendro Scholtz, Corne Krige (capt), AJ Venter, Victor Matfield, Jannes Labuschagne, Faan Rautenbach, Willie Meyer, Ollie le Roux, Lawrence Sephaka and James Dalton. – Sapa-AFP