Snyman only casualty

2003-07-22 07:55

Cape Town - Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli on Monday picked two uncapped players and recalled two Test players in an extended squad of 28 for the away leg of the Tri-Nations.

Lions utility back Jorrie Muller and Western Province's centre/wing Gus Theron will tour with the Boks for the first time while scrumhalf Neil de Kock and hooker Lukas van Biljon are recalled after last having played in 2002.

Straeuli has added an additional hooker and scrumhalf, hence the increase in the squad numbers.

Sharks outside centre André Snyman is the only casualty from the match 22 beaten 52-16 by the All Blacks at the weekend.

Bob Skinstad and John Smit were not considered due to a lack of Test match fitness.

"The decision on Bob and John was made after both players were involved in a practice match last Thursday. It was felt both needed to play more rugby and that their fitness was not at the level we felt necessary for the demands of the Tri-Nations.

"The same applies to a player like Dries Scholtz. He played in the practice match and we were not convinced with his conditioning. He has been given a personal conditioning program and he will be monitored in the next few weeks," said Straeuli, who included Lions loose-forward Joe van Niekerk on the basis of the said practice match.

"Joe and André Pretorius came through the match well. André was reintroduced against the All Blacks and we will be looking to give Joe game time against the Wallabies.

Has been punished

"Lukas (van Biljon) also went well in last Thursday's match. I am fully aware of his off the field disciplinary problems. He has been punished for this and gets another opportunity on the evidence of what he can do on the field.

"Both Robbie (Fleck) and AJ (Venter), players on the fringes of selection, were invited to the match but pulled out because of injury."

Muller, one of the stars of the SA Under-21 side in 2002, gives Straeuli options at fullback, wing and outside centre while Gus Theron's versatility in being able to play outside centre and wing gave him the edge over specialist midfielders.

"With Jaco van der Westhuyzen and Werner Greeff not available because of injury we wanted depth in the fullback position and Jorrie gives us this option.

"He also has a good left boot, which is something we have not had this season, with all our kickers being right footed.

"Gus has express pace and this does add a dimension to our existing back division," said Straeuli, who added that certain players would be released to play in the Currie Cup, if not this weekend, then definitely on the squad's return.

"The Currie Cup is going to be very important to certain players if they want to make the World Cup squad. We name the World Cup squad in just under six weeks' time. That's plenty of time for players to challenge.

"It is an opportunity for the likes of Robbie Fleck, Cobus Visagie, AJ Venter and Grant Esterhuizen to show they are over their niggles and injuries and are committed to playing for South Africa at the World Cup.

Quality players

"It should also see the return of Jean de Villiers, Breyton Paulse, Faan Rautenbach, (Jaco) van der Westhuyzen, Wayne Julies and Werner Greeff. These are all quality players who are on the fringes.

"We have selected 28 players for the next two matches. The selectors felt it important that there be a balance between experience and youth and we did not want a repeat of last year's end of season tour when Corné Krige, in his capacity as a senior player, was burdened with all the responsibility on the playing field.

"It is why Joost's presence was deemed to be important. He is a very good leader and his presence within the squad will ease some of the pressure we know Corné will be under in the next few weeks.

"I want to stress the Tri-Nations is not a dress rehearsal for the World Cup squad. If a player shows us form in the Currie Cup and the necessary commitment, he will be considered for the final World Cup 30."

The Boks leave for Brisbane on Thursday.

Springboks (to play Australia and New Zealand):

Backs: De Wet Barry (WP), Gcobani Bobo (Lions), Craig Davidson (Sharks), Thinus Delport (Falcons), Neil de Kock (WP), Louis Koen (Lions), Jorrie Muller (Lions), André Pretorius (Lions), Brent Russell (Sharks), Gus Theron (WP), Stefan Terblanche (Sharks), Joost van der Westhuizen (Bulls), Ashwin Willemse (Lions).

Forwards: Richard Bands (Bulls), Selborne Boome (WP), Bakkies Botha (Bulls), Danie Coetzee (Bulls), Geo Cronje (Bulls), Victor Matfield (Bulls), Robbie Kempson (Ulster/Stormers), Corné Krige (WP, captain), Dale Santon (Eagles), Lawrence Sephaka (Lions), Juan Smith (Cheetahs), Wickus van Heerden (Lions), Lukas van Biljon (Sharks), Joe van Niekerk (Lions) and Pedrie Wannenburg (Bulls).

- SAPA