Boks at full strength for tour

2007-10-24 22:22

Bloemfontein - All members of South Africa's World Cup squad, with the exception of Os du Randt and one or two injured players, will be considered for the Springbok team to play in Cardiff and London next month.

A tour squad of between 26 and 30 players will be announced on November 7.

Coach Jake White wants the best possible team to play Wales at the Millennium Stadium on November 24 and the Barbarians at Twickenham on December 1.

Peter Jooste, convener of the SA selectors, said on Wednesday the team would be announced at a gala event presented by SA Rugby.

Du Randt retired after the World Cup final, leaving the door open for a newcomer to take his place in the front row.

Lions prop Heinke van der Merwe and Wian du Preez of the Cheetahs, who will both be in action in the Currie Cup final here on Saturday, are strong candidates.

Gurthrö Steenkamp, Du Randt's deputy in the World Cup tournament, is expected to take over as No 1 loosehead prop.

"We will obviously not consider any injured players. We already have a short list of possible replacements," Jooste said.

"We expect Wales to go all out to beat the world champions. They would like to make a point after the World Cup tournament."

Maintain the momentum

By selecting their best available team, White and the selectors will send out a message that they want the team to maintain the momentum gained in France.

If White takes his top players, instead of a weakened team as he did a year ago, it may also be seen as an indication that it will be his last tour as Springbok coach.

However, the possibility of his contract being renewed seems to be improving daily.

White is certainly one of the most successful Springbok coaches ever and the only one whose teams won the Tri-Nations as well as the World Cup.

The Springboks have won 35 (66%) of their 53 Test matches under White's coaching.

If he decides not to continue after his contract expires on December 31, SA Rugby may send his successor with him on the trip to Wales and England.

Welsh and Australian administrators have already indicated that they would be interested in White's services.

Applications for his job close on Friday.

- Volksblad