Bok coach brings exiles back
2008-05-18 22:45
Johannesburg - There is a good mix of youth and experience in Peter de Villiers's national training squad, but it is the return of several Springbok exiles in the squad of 42 players that has caught the eye.
Provisionally, the squad does not include any Sharks players, since they first have to fulfil their obligations in the Super 14 play-off rounds. De Villiers could or would not say how many Sharks players will be included in the squad, but it can be assumed that players like Ryan Kankowski, JP Pietersen, Ruan Pienaar, Frans Steyn, BJ Botha, Bismarck du Plessis and Johann Muller, among others, may be invited in.
In the squad that has been announced, the Bok coach has created space for the experience of established Springboks like Percy Montgomery, John Smit, Victor Matfield and co, as well as the untried talent of a player like Isma-eel Dollie.
Montgomery, currently playing for Perpignan in France, probably has his dependable kicking boot to thank for his inclusion, and if his kicks at goal remain as accurate as they have been, he should pass the exceptional milestone of 100 Tests later this year.
De Villiers has a high regard for Smit's leadership and the respect that he commands at an international level.
A clear indication that the Super14 flyhalves have not completely convinced De Villiers is the inclusion of World Cup medallist Butch James.
Return from the cold
James has flourished in the English Premier League for Bath this year and could be worth gold against teams of the northern hemisphere in particular.
But it is the return from the cold of players like Gcobani Bobo, Joe van Niekerk, Conrad Jantjes, Meyer Bosman, Hilton Lobberts and Kabamba Floors that has left the Springbok ash heap considerably poorer.
It will be a great relief for Bobo and Van Niekerk in particular to be back in the squad after their run of injuries, while the return of Pierre Spies has come not a moment too soon.
"We had the next four years in mind when we made these selections," said De Villiers. "We have chosen some veterans along with a few inexperienced players, and hope that the younger players will benefit by the experience of the older guys," De Villiers said.
Young players like Andries Bekker, Schalk Brits, Tonderai Chavhanga, Brian Mujati and Duanne Vermeulen have been rewarded for outstanding performances in the Super14 series. Earl Rose and Louis Ludik are also among those players that could soon be playing Test rugby.
Experienced Boks like Jean de Villiers, Enrico Januarie, Bryan Habana, Juan Smith and Wikus van Heerden, who have lived up to their reputations in the Super 14, have also been rewarded for their performance.
De Villiers is looking to the future with the inclusion of Dollie, Heini Adams and Chiliboy Ralepelle.
De Villiers's comment about a player like Ralepelle, who was also plagued by injuries last season, was that "Chili can add great value".
Stormer Luke Watson's name appears last on the list, but this time it is purely because it makes alphabetical sense.
The squad:
Backs: Heini Adams, Gcobani Bobo, Meyer Bosman, Tonderai Chavhanga, Jean de Villiers, Isma-eel Dollie, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Peter Grant, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Enrico Januarie, Conrad Jantjes, Zane Kirchner, Louis Ludik, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Jongi Nokwe, Wynand Olivier, Earl Rose.
Forwards: Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Brits, Schalk Burger, Wian du Preez, Kabamba Floors, Hilton Lobberts, Victor Matfield, Gerhard Mostert, Brian Mujati, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (captain), Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, Heinke van der Merwe, Wikus van Heerden, Joe van Niekerk, Duanne Vermeulen, Luke Watson.