The Springbok squad for the away leg of the Tri-Nations was named today. The biggest surprise was the inclusion of Shark winger, JP Pietersen ahead of Tonderai Chavhanga. Chavhanga did not have the best of times in the two matches he played against Wales this month but one may have thought that he would be selected based on the good form he showed in the Super 14. Pietersen himself has not been in the best of form since last years World Cup but seems to have been selected ahead of Chavhanga. Odwa Ndungane seems to have leaped frogged both Pietersen and Chavhanga in the pecking order. Odwa Ndungane started his first test for South Africa on the weekend against Italy and did not have a bad game and is deserving of his place in the team. Whether Ndungane or Pietersen started on the wing together with Habana, waits to be seen.

Another surprise is in the front row where Brian Mujati has been selected ahead of BJ Botha. World Cup Number 8, Danie Rossouw also missed out on a place in the 28 man touring squad. Ryan Kankowski, who had thought to have picked up a serious injury in the game against Italy has been declared fit and is named in the squad.

The squad in full is as follows:

Backs: Bolla Conradie, Jean de Villiers, Peter Grant, Butch James, Conrad Jantjes, Adi Jacobs, Ricky Januarie, Bryan Habana, Percy Montgomery, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Ruan Pienaar, Francois Steyn.

Forwards: Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Bismarck du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Tendai Mtawarira, Brian Mujati, Victor Matfield, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, John Smit (capt), Gurthro Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, Joe van Niekerk, Luke Watson.

Subscribe

Sign-up to receive the latest updates from InTheNews.co.za to your mailbox

Loading ...