Sharks prop Jannie du Plessis is the only newcomer to the Springbok squad for the first Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand in Bloemfontein on July 25.
The group includes 22 players that took part in the recently completed 2-1 Test Series victory over the British and Irish Lions. Du Plessis returns to the national set-up after last playing for the Springboks against England at the end of 2008.
The group includes lock Bakkies Botha, whose two-week suspension ends this week. The Bok squad assembles in Bloemfontein on Thursday afternoon.
Players in the broader Springbok squad, who played against the Lions but have not been selected for the first Tri-Nations Test, have been released to play for their provinces in the Absa Currie Cup.
The convener of the selectors, Peter Jooste, said it was important to maintain consistency in selection from the Lions Series.
”We have stuck with the core of the players who took part in the Lions Series, most of whom have been in the larger Springbok training squad over the past 12 months.
”We have also tried to ensure that the combinations that featured in the first two Lions Tests are kept intact to ensure consistency and familiarity,” Jooste said.
Springbok coach Peter De Villiers added that while the Tri-Nations represented a new and different challenge it was important to build on what had been achieved against the Lions.
”The Lions Series was ideal preparation for the Tri-Nations,” he said.
”The core squad that secured the series win in the first two Tests has great potential as a unit and we believe that they have much more to offer. That is why we have made sure that we have remained consistent in our selection policy.”
Commenting on the return of Jannie du Plessis, Jooste said: ”Jannie has been a part of the Springbok squad since 2007 and still has much to offer.
”He was unfortunate to miss out on selection for the Lions series but now gets an opportunity in the Tri-Nations.” — Sapa
The Springbok squad:
Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Heinrich Brüssow, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Victor Matfield, Mtawarira, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Adi Jacobs, Ricky Januarie, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Frans Steyn, Morné Steyn