Earl Rose was a shock inclusion on Saturday as the only specialist flyhalf in the Springbok team for its three-Test tour to the United Kingdom.
Rose is one of two caps, with Free State’s Heinrich Brussow getting the nod as flank. With Butch James out of contention because of his commitment to his club Bath, it was generally expected that Peter Grant would have been given the nod. But the Western Province pivot’s shares have seemingly plummeted and he obviously does not form part of De Villiers’ plans.
”Ruan Pienaar is earmarked for the number 10 jersey as I’m looking to find a long-term successor to Butch James, following his decision to retire after the Lions tour next year,” said De Villiers in a statement.
”We decided against selecting players from overseas on this occasion as we know they can slot in at any time but we felt that the time is right to give players like Ruan an opportunity at flyhalf.”
There was also no place for Jannie du Plessis as tighthead, and John Smit will play this position on tour. Smit has also been appointed captain.
Gurthro Steenkamp, Brian Mujati and Tendai Mtawarira are the other three props in the group. Chiliboy Ralepelle has been set down as second hooker.
Brussow comes in for controversial flanker Luke Watson who made himself unavailable after his utterances two weeks ago, though his form probably would have seen him stay at home in any event.
Two World Cup players who have seen little action lately make a return, with Bakkies Botha joining his two Blue Bulls lock mates Victor Matfield and Danie Rossouw after a lengthy lay-off due to injury.
Jaque Fourie had a few outings for the Lions without really impressing, but such is his stature and quality that his inclusion was expected.
De Villiers praised the form of the two new newcomers to the squad for their outstanding form in the Absa Currie Cup.
”Both Earl and Heinrich really put their hands up in the Absa Currie Cup,” said de Villiers. ”Earl’s form may have dipped at times but he has the X-factor you look for in a flyhalf and has time to develop while Heinrich has really burst on to the scene and is outstanding at contesting at the breakdown.”
The squad will assemble in Cape Town at 2pm on Tuesday and depart for the United Kingdom on Friday where they will play Wales on November 8, Scotland the following Saturday and England on November 22. – Sapa
Squad:
Backs: Fourie du Preez, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Adrian Jacobs, Conrad Jantjes, Ricky Januarie, Odwa Ndungane, Jongi Nokwe, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Earl Rose,
Frans Steyn
Forwards: Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Brits, Heinrich Brussow, Bismarck du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Victor Matfield, Brian Mujati, Beast Mtawarira, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (captain), Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Gurthro Steenkamp.