Big break for Schalk Brits
2007-11-26 22:04
London - Western Province hooker Schalk Brits has been given an opportunity to impress the next Springbok coach by showing his mettle in a match against his South African countrymen.
Brits has been included in the Barbarians squad of 22 to oppose the Springboks at Twickenham here on Saturday.
The livewire forward is regarded as one of the unluckiest of all current SA players not to have represented his country.
Brits is expected to be given a run against Bismarck du Plessis, who takes over from Springbok captain John Smit. Du Plessis is in the inside lane to make the No 2 jersey his own for the foreseeable future.
As a ball carrier, Brits does not have many equals among the top hookers but he will have to match Du Plessis in the set pieces.
He may also find himself playing against his Western Province teammate Tiaan Liebenberg, who will be the Springboks' substitute hooker on Saturday.
Springbok manager Zola Yeye confirmed on Monday that the team against the Barbarians would be a Springbok side, not a Springbok XV.
However, he was unable to say whether coach Jake White had obtained permission to use all 25 members of the tour squad on Saturday.
The reply will determine whether lock Barend Pieterse and prop Wian du Preez receive an opportunity to make their debut in the green and gold on Saturday.
Boks played golf with Ernie Els
Veteran lock forward Johan Ackermann has been called up to join the squad after Bakkies Botha's withdrawal because of a leg injury.
Ackermann or Albert van den Berg will probably partner Johann Muller in the starting line-up.
White is expected to make as few changes as possible to the run-on team that he fielded against Wales last week.
The match organisers have confirmed that England backs Jason Robinson and Ben Cohen and All Black wing Joe Rokocoko will be available for the Barbarians.
Robinson, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, will probably play in his last match at Twickenham.
Nine players from the northern hemisphere will turn out for the Barbarians with a mix of Wallabies, All Blacks and South African players making up the rest.
The Springboks enjoyed a round of golf with Ernie Els on Monday but will resume training on Tuesday.
The possible Springbok starting line-up: Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Frans Steyn, Bryan Habana, André Pretorius, Enrico Januarie, Ryan Kankowski, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Johann Muller, Johan Ackermann or Albert van den Berg, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, CJ van der Linde.
The Barbarians squad:
Backs
Jason Robinson (ENG/Lions), Joe Rokocoko (NZL), Isoa Neivua (FIJ), Ben Cohen (ENG/Lions), Conrad Smith (NZL), Tom Shanklin (WAL/Lions), Ma'a Nonu (NZL), Matt Giteau (AUS), Peter Grant (Stormers/RSA), Justin Marshall (NZL)
Forwards
Rocky Elsom (AUS), Martyn Williams (WAL/Lions), Jerry Collins (NZL), Troy Flavell (NZL), Luke Charteris (WAL), Justin Harrison (AUS), Brent Cockbain (WAL), Schalk Brits (Stormers/RSA), Mark Regan (ENG/Lions, capt), Salesi Ma'afu (Brumbies/AUS), Federico Pucciarello (ITA), Andrew Sheridan (ENG/Lions)