Springbok replacement stalwart, Danie Rossouw, has been playing out of his skin as of late. With absence of teammate, Bakkies Botha, Rossouw has been given a few more opportunities to start in the Springbok #4 jumper, and boy has he taken those opportunities.

The 32 year old, 1.98m, 120 kg Rossouw seems to have become better with age, having arguably his best year ever in 2010.

Records/Honours

• Currie Cup winner with the Blue Bulls, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009
• Super 14 winner with the Bulls, 2007, 2009 & 2010
• Member of the World Cup winning Springbok squad, 2007
• British & Irish Lions series winner, 2009
• Tri-Nations winner, 2009

Highlights of Danie Rossouw’s efforts against France at Newlands – 12 June 2010: [CombatBok]

SA Under-20 coach Eric Sauls on Wednesday made two changes to his starting lineup that suffered a 35-42 defeat against Australia to the team that will play New Zealand in the second semi-final of the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship in Rosario on Thursday.

The changes are both made in the backline where Springbok Sevens back Branco du Preez replace the injured Francois Venter at centre. Venter sustained an ankle injury during Sunday’s Pool C clash in Sante Fe. In the other change, Vodacom Free State utility back Nico Scheepers comes into the side in place of Sampie Mastriet.

“It’s crunch time in the competition and we’re looking forward to the challenge of playing New Zealand,” said Sauls.

“We made two changes to our stating team, but I believe that both Branco and Nico has done well with the limited game time they had to date. I am confident that they will not let us down. They performed well against Scotland and hopefully they’ll produce the goods against the Baby Blacks.”

The SA Under-20s will be aiming to book their place in their first Under-20 final. The Baby Blacks however have enjoyed previous semi-final success in the IRB Junior World Championship. Not only have they won both tournaments since its inception in 2008, they are also enjoying a record 13-match winning streak and have not lost a game in the history of the Under-20 championship.

“I reckon due to the fact that they have never conceded a defeat in a semi-final should provide us with at least some motivation to do well on Thursday,” added Sauls.

“They will be aiming to keep their awesome record intact, but I am sure our guys will be eager to create some records of our own. The guys will be motivated, naturally as this is quite a big game in terms of our goals we set for the tournament. One of them of course was to qualify for the semis. We’ve done that, but it by no means ends here.

“A place in the final is up for grabs on Thursday and it should be a spectacle. New Zealand versus South Africa games are always like that.

“They love playing an expansive game, so we’ll have to be well prepared for that. They love running the ball and we’ve noticed that they try and get the ball to those wingers of theirs as quickly as they can. We’re going to have to possibly stop that.

“But overall, they are a quality side all over the park. We are going to have to play quality rugby to match them. We’ve looked at a few aspects of their play and hopefully we’ll be able to counter most of those things.”

Baby Boks VS Baby Blacks JWC 2010 teamsheets:

SA Under-20s: 15.Patrick Lambie, 14. Wandile Mjekevu, 13. Jaco Taute, 12.Branco du Preez, 11. Nico Scheepers, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Louis Schreuder, 8. CJ Stander (c), 7. Fanie van der Walt, 6. Siyamthanda Kolisi, 5. Sebastian de Chaves, 4. Kene Okafor, 3. Marcel van der Merwe, 2. Monde Hadebe, 1. Brummer Badenhorst.

Reserves: 16. Francois du Toit, 17. Ruan Dreyer, 18. Wessel du Rand, 19. Mlungisi Bali, 20. Lohan Jacobs, 21. Adri Jacobs, 22. Nico Scheepers.

NZ Under-20s: 15. Tom Marshall, 14. Julian Savea, 13. Star Timu, 12. Charlie Ngatai, 11. Telusa Veainu, 10. Tyler Bleyendaal, 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8. Rory Grice, 7. Sean Polwart, 6. Luke Whitelock, 5. Liakimatagi Moli, 4. Blade Thomson, 3. Jeff Allen, 2. Liam Coltman, 1. Angus Taavao-Matau

Reserves: 16. Paul Ngauamo, 17. Willie Ioane, 18. Tom Franklin, 19. Matt Graham, 20. Kayne Hammington, 21. Hayden Parker, 22. Jason Woodward

• Live coverage of SA Under-20s’ semi-final game against New Zealand will be broadcast live on SuperSport 2 from 21h15 [RSA Time -GMT +2]
• Live coverage of SA Under-20s’ semi-final game against New Zealand will be broadcast live on The Rugby Channel (SKY Channel 037) Friday morning 07h30 [NZT - GMT +10]

The following from SARU: The Springbok medical team and its regional counterparts have met to plan the way ahead for the country’s leading rugby players in the lead up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The meeting of medical and conditioning teams from Springboks and the five Vodacom Super 14 regions – including doctors, physiotherapists and fitness conditioners, was hosted by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) at the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town.

The main purpose of the gathering was to discuss the management of players in both International and National competition over the coming months with the ultimate goal of having a fit and full strength squad at the 2011 World Cup.

The key outcomes of the meeting were:

• Enhanced  two-way communication between the Springbok medical team and its regional and provincial counterparts
• Establishment of a collaborative approach in the interests of player welfare in the build up to Rugby World Cup 2011
• Agreement on two-way sharing of information on conditioning, performance, recovery, and injury management and prevention; and ensuring regular updates between the Springbok medical team and the regions during the Vodacom Tri-Nations, Absa Currie Cup and the Super 15
• Confirmation of the application of injury prevention protocols developed by Springbok physiotherapist Rene Naylor, based on the latest scientific research.
• Establishment of areas of collaborative research on new trends, technologies and related developments

Springbok Coach Peter de Villiers addressed the meeting where he explained his objectives and how he believed the national and regional medical teams could play a key role in ensuring a full strength and fully fit squad for 2011 World Cup.

“It is gratifying to see these talented and knowledgeable people working for the common good of Springbok rugby. I am now reassured that our players are in safe hands, both nationally and within their regions,” de Villiers said.

Springbok team doctor, Craig Roberts said: “The meeting was a significant step in that it will ensure for the sharing of information from both sides and enhance collaboration between us for the common good of South African rugby. The regions fully support the concept of injury risk assessments and will provide the necessary support on the ground to make sure that the required injury prevention measures are implemented”.

SARU Medical Manager, Clint Readhead added: “The meeting has ushered in a new era in collaboration between the Springbok and Regional medical and conditioning teams. There is a clear understanding that the continued high performance of South African rugby’s leading players can only be achieved if the experts work together towards a common objective”.

The Springbok selectors have named their team to face Italy in the first of to test matches, to be played this weekend, 19 June 2010,  in Witbank.

Victor Matfield will captain the Boks for the 11^th time against Italy in Witbank on Saturday.

Matfield takes over the captaincy from John Smit, who is resting this week after injuring his hamstring during the warm-up before the French Test at Newlands in Cape Town last Saturday.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has made 11 changes to the squad of 22 for the first Test against Italy.

In the pack, Dewald Potgieter replaces Francois Louw. Bakkies Botha is back at lock in the place of Danie Rossouw, while Jannie du Plessis and Chiliboy Ralepelle take over from BJ Botha and Smit in the front row.

At the back, Butch James and Jean de Villiers are the new centres, with Wynand Olivier and Jaque Fourie granted a break.

On the bench, Bandise Maku, CJ van der Linde, Alistair Hargreaves, Ryan Kankowski and Bjorn Basson are included. None of them featured in the 42-17 victory over France.

Springboks vs Italy: Witbank, Saturday 19 June, 2010

Starting XV: 15. Zane Kirchner; 14. Gio Aplon; 13. Jean de Villiers; 12. Butch James; 11. Bryan Habana; 10. Morné Steyn; 9. Ricky Januarie; 8. Pierre Spies; 7. Dewald Potgieter; 6. Schalk Burger; 5. Victor Matfield (captain); 4. Bakkies Botha; 3. Jannie du Plessis; 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle; 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp

Replacements: 16. Bandise Maku; 17. CJ van der Linde; 18. Alistair Hargreaves; 19. Ryan Kankowski; 20. Ruan Pienaar; 21. Juan de Jongh; 22. Bjorn Basson

A shoe-in for the award?

The following from SARU: Players from the Vodacom Super 14 finalist Bulls and Stormers have unsurprisingly monopolised the nominations in the race for the title of Vodacom Super 14 Player of the Year award, the South African Rugby Union announced on Tuesday.

The 2009 winner, Vodacom Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn, has again been nominated along with team-mates Fourie du Preez and Gerhard van den Heever. They are joined by the Vodacom Stormers’ lock Andries Bekker and centre Jaque Fourie in the five nominations.

The five polled the most votes among rugby media from a total of 26 players that were nominated.

Steyn set a record of 263 points in a Vodacom Super Rugby season as the Vodacom Bulls won the title for the third time in four seasons.  Van den Heever scored eight tries in the Bulls’ march to the title, while Du Preez, the 2009 SA Rugby Player of the Year, was outstanding once again.

The Vodacom Stormers’ first appearance in a final was reflected in several nominations for their players with lock Andries Bekker and centre Jaque Fourie, who scored seven tries in his debut season with the franchise, garnering enough media votes to be in the running for the award.

Meanwhile the Vodacom Blue Bulls’ last-gasp win in the Vodacom Cup was also reflected in nominations for the competition’s Player of the Year award. Team captain Gerrit-Jan van Velze, fullback Tiger Mangweni and flyhalf Francois Brummer, who kicked the after-the-hooter drop goal against the luckless Vodacom Cheetahs to clinch the R1m first prize, were all among the nominees.

Free State flyhalf Louis Strydom and Sharks No 10 Monty Dumond, who edged the former as the competition’s top scorer, completed the nominations.

The winners of the awards, as well as the rest of the SA Rugby Player of the Year awards, will be announced at the Springbok Banquet on November 2.

The Springboks made a phenomenal start against France at Newlands on Saturday, when they opened the try scoring card in just the second minute of action.

Bryan Habana made the best of a French fumble, brushing off the French defence and offloading to Jaque Fourie, who in turn set it up for Pierre Spies, himself having a lot of work to do, before crossing the chalk for the try.

Less than 6 minutes later, the Springboks set up a maul in French territory, moving the ball towards the touchline, and creating space on the inside. Ricky Januarie drifted inside, popping the ball to Aplon who bounced Maxime Mermoz, stepped Morgan Parra and crossed the line for his first international try, in front of his home crown, and in the process showing why, despite his deminutive size, he deserves to be there.

The Springboks could have scored their 3rd try in the 11th minute, when Ricky Januarie chipped superbly for Kirchner to snatch out of the air, stepping the French defence and making his way towards the French line. Then in true Kirchner style, white line fever ensued and he ignored the the host of Springbok support runners, reaching for the line in the tackle and losing the ball in the process. Luckily for the Springboks, the advantage was being played and the Boks took the 3 points.

11 Minutes gone, and the Springboks were leading 17 – 0. From that point on, it was always going to be difficult for France to come back, and to be honest, the Springboks were too good on the day, whilst the French were nothing better than average, and it never looked as if the French would make any kind of decent comeback. The Highlights will tell you the rest.

My two cents worth:

• John Smit, although suffering from a hamstring injury, is in poor shape at the moment. If he is to lead the Springboks to RWC 2011, which they definitely need him to do, he will have to sort something out soon.
• The home based players were amazing in front of the Newlands faithful. Aplon was full of running and scored some flash tries, but the hero of the night had to be Francois “Flouw” Louw, who did the hard graft, forced 5 turnovers, won a number of penalties and scored a well worked try of his own.
• I’m beginning to sound like a stuck record when I complain about Wynand Olivier’s form in the green and gold. I don’t know what happens to his game, but his defence goes right out the window, and he just isn’t anywhere near the same player he is in Super 14.
• Zane Kirchner once again proved that he isn’t the solution for #15. He screwed up a try with his customary white line fever, and almost gave away another with a deja vu fumble reminiscent of last weeks performance against the Welsh. Ricky Januarie cops a lot of flack in this country. Most of the time it’s warranted, but he was good over the last 2 weekends. One criticism I can make, is that he needs to stop looking around whilst at the base of the breakdown, where he often gets knocked off the ball.

Highlights – Springboks VS France 2010: [WRNrugbynews]

Scorecard:

South Africa: 42

• Tries: Spies, Aplon 2, Steenkamp, Louw
• Conversions: Steyn 3, Pienaar
• Penalties: Steyn 3

France: 17

• Tries: Rougerie, Andreu
• Conversions: Parra, Skrela
• Penalties: Parra

The 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer kicks off today, and is set to be a monumental success, but soccer isn’t the only sport on this weekend. There are a few matches, of that little game we call rugby, being played. Here are the fixtures and team sheets:

All Blacks VS Ireland:

12 June 2010 19h35 (GMT+12)

All Blacks: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Ben Franks.

Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Zac Guildford.

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O’Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D’Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ronan O’Gara, 9 Tomas O’Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Mick O’Driscoll, 4 Donncha O’Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Cian Healy.

Replacements: 16 John Fogarty, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Dan Tuohy, 19 Shane Jennings, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Geordan Murphy.

• Date: Saturday 12 June 2010
• Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
• Kick-off: 19h35 (GMT+12)
• Referee: Wayne Barnes (England) 
• Assistant referees: Mark Lawrence (South Africa), James Leckie (Australia) 
• TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)

BSR’ prediction: The All Blacks may not be in their best form ever, but I don’t see Ireland having what it takes to front up to them. All Blacks should take it by atleast 12 points.

Wallabies VS England:

12 June 2010 18h05 AWST (GMT +8)

Wallabies: 15 James O’Connor, 14 Digby Ioane, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (captain), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.

Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 James Slipper, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Will Genia, 21 Peter Hynes, 22 Kurtley Beale.

England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Mike Tindall, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Chris Ashton, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Lewis Moody (captain), 6 Tom Croft, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Steve Thompson, 1 Tim Payne.

Replacements: 16 George Chuter, 17 David Wilson, 18 Courtney Lawes, 19 James Haskell, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Jonny Wilkinson, 22 Mathew Tait.

• Date: Saturday 12 June 2010
• Venue: Subiaco Oval, Perth
• Kick-off: 18.05 AWST (GMT+8)
• Expected weather: No clouds and little chance of rain. High of 22°C, low of 5°C
• Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
• Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Vinny Munro (New Zealand)

BSR’ prediction: England have been bad, really bad, but the squad they are fielding is no joke. Wallabies on the other hand have just come out of a strong Super 14, and played a confidence booster against Fiji last weekend. Wallabies to take it by 12

Springboks VS France

12 June 2010 14h00 (GMT +2)

Springboks: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 François Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Gürthro Steenkamp.

Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Dewald Potgieter, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Jean de Villiers

France: 15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 David Marty, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Aurélien Rougerie, 10 François Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Julien Bonnaire, 7 Wenceslas Lauret, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (captain), 5 Romain Millo-Chluski, 4 Lionel Nallet, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Thomas Domingo.

Replacements: 16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Jean Baptiste Poux, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Louis Picamoles, 20 Dimitri Yachvili, 21 David Skrela, 22 Marc Andreu, 23 Luc Ducalcon.

• Date: Saturday 12 June 2010
• Venue: Newlands
• Kick-off: 14h00 (GMT +2)
• Expected weather conditions: Scattered clouds. with a high of 17°C and a northwester of 21 km/h. The possibility of rain in the evening.
• Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand) 
• Assistant referees: Keith Brown (New Zealand), David Changleng (Scotland)
• TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

BSR’ prediction: The Springboks beat Wales, with a largely under strength team, last wekend. The had a great Super 14, and the team is loaded with experienced Springboks. France on the other hand, are never a walk over. They play the same type of game as the Boks, and have been somewhat of a bogey team for the Boks in recent years. Expect the French to bring it up front. The Springboks should win it at home, by 11 or less.

Argentina VS Scotland:

12 June 2010 15h45 (GMT -3)

Argentina: 15 Martin Rodriguez-Gurruchaga, 14 Lucas Borges, 13 Gonzalo Tiesi, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Felipe Contepomi (captain), 9 Alfredo Lalanne, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 7 Juan Manuel  Leguizamon, 6 Genaro Fessia, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Martin Scelzo, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.

Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Marcos Ayerza, 18 Mariano Galarza, 19 Alejandro Campos, 20 Agustin Figuerola, 21 Ignacio Mieres, 22 Lucas Gonzalez-Amorosino.

Scotland: 15 Hugo Southwell, 14 Max Evans, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Rory Lawson, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Alastair Kellock (captain), 4 Jim Hamilton, 3 Moray Low, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen

Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Geoff Cross, 18 Scott MacLeod, 19 Alasdair Strokosch, 20 Mike Blair, 21 Phil Godman, 22 Jim Thompson

• Date: Saturday12 June 2010
• Venue: José María Fierro, Tucumán
• Kick-off: 15h45 (GMT -3)
• Expected weather: Mostly Cloudy. High: 16°C, low 9°C
• Referee: Dave Pearson (England) 
• Assistant referees: Christophe Berdos (France), Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

BSR’s Prediction: Not having seem much of either team this year, I’m going to stick with a Southern Hemisphere shut out and go with Los Pumas by at least 14.

Viva Bafana Bafana, Viva! Make us proud boys!

The Springboks held their first training session ahead of the France test, at a waterlogged UCT pitch on Tuesday, including a scrum session with legendary Springbok prop, Os du Randt, who has recently been appointed the Sringboks’ scrum coach.

Those of you who couldn’t be there shouldn’t miss out. Here are a few pics of how that unfolded: [Sport24]

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

The Springboks do some warm up drills

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

Dick Muir instructs the back line players to ignore what he did with the Lions

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

Great to see Jean and Jaque reunited. But where will PDV play them?

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

Will Morne handle the pressure?

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

Kirchner looking confused. Realistically third in line…

Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images

John Smit to make the shift? Worrying times at hooker with Chilliboy

PDV and his assistants have named their Springbok team to face France in a one of match at Newlands this Saturday, 12 June. A number if returning/first choice Springboks have been drafted into the squad after being rested this past weekend, when the Springboks beat Wales 34 – 31 at millenium Stadium, in Cardif

The team announcement sees the return of experienced Springboks: Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Morné Steyn, Pierre Spies, Schalk Burger and Gurthrö Steenkamp.

Jean de Villiers, who missed the Welsh Test because of injury, has been included on the bench, alongside Flip van der Merwe, who will be making his Bok debut should he take to the field.

The inclusion of Flip van der Merwe is due reward for outstanding work during the 2010 Super 14 campaign, but again raises the issue of why Alistair Hargreaves was handed a test cap last week, and excluded this week? It just doesn’t add up.

Springboks vs France: Newlands, Cape Town, Saturday 12 June, 2010

Springbok teamsheet:

15 Zane Kirchner (5 caps)

14 Gio Aplon (1 cap)

13 Jaque Fourie (55 caps)

12 Wynand Olivier (27 caps)

11 Bryan Habana (57 caps)

10 Morné Steyn (12 caps)

9 Ricky Januarie (41 caps)

8 Pierre Spies (28 caps)

7 Francois Louw (1 cap)

6 Schalk Burger (55 caps)

5 Victor Matfield (93 caps)

4 Danie Rossouw (47 caps)

3 BJ Botha (20 caps)

2 John Smit (Capt)  (94 caps)

1 Gurthrö Steenkamp ( 22 caps )

Replacements:

16 Chiliboy Ralepelle (9 caps);  17 Jannie du Plessis (13 caps); 18 Flip van der Merwe (uncapped); 19 Dewald Potgieter (2 caps); 20 Ruan Pienaar (37 caps); 21 Juan de Jongh (1 cap); 22 Jean de Villiers (55 caps)

France teamsheet:

15 Clement Poitrenaud

14 Vincent Clerc

13 David Marty

12 Maxime Mermoz

11 Aurelien Rougerie

10 Francois Trinh-Duc

9 Morgan Parra

8 Julien Bonnaire

7 Wenceslas Lauret

6 Thierry Dusautoir (captain)

5 Romain Millo- Chluski

4 Lionel Nallet

3 Nicolas Mas

2 Dimitri Szarzewski

1 Thomas Domingo.

Replacements: 16 Guilhem Guirado; 17 Jean Baptiste Poux; 18 Julien Pierre; 19 Louis Picamoles; 20 Dimitri Yachvili; 21 David Skrela; 22 Marc Andreu; 23 Luc Ducalcon

Booted out for a much needed break

The Following from Saru: The Springbok selectors have assembled a squad of 27 players for the one-off Test against France at the weekend.

The squad includes 17 players from the match 22 that did duty in the 34-31 victory over Wales in Cardiff last weekend. The excluded players are fullback Frans Steyn, wing Odwa Ndungane, centre Meyer Bosman, No 8 Joe van Niekerk and prop CJ van der Linde.

Butch James, who was withdrawn from the starting XV against Wales for contractual reasons, is retained in the squad as is overseas-based prop BJ Botha.

Nine players have been added to the group – Bakkies Botha, Wynand Olivier, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Morné Steyn and Flip van der Merwe of the Vodacom Bulls, Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana of the Vodacom Stormers and Munster’s Jean de Villiers, who was originally selected for the Welsh Test but withdrew with an injured shoulder.

Bulls lock Van der Merwe is the only uncapped player in the squad.

The squad excludes scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, who is to have shoulder surgery on Tuesday.

“Fourie is very important to us but so is his welfare and the time is right for him to sort this injury out,” said coach Peter de Villiers. “We will miss him but it is important that he is available and fit at the world cup next year. We have adequate cover in the scrumhalf position too.”

On the opposition, de Villiers said: “France are the Six Nations champions and they beat us last year so this is a big match. We know they can be dangerous and this will be a tough, tough Test.”

The match 22 to face France at Newlands on Saturday will be named on Tuesday.

Springbok Squad: Bjorn Basson, BJ Botha, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Jannie du Plessis, Jaque Fourie, Gio Aplon, Bryan Habana, Alistair Hargreaves, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Ryan Kankowski, Zane Kirchner, Francois Louw, Victor Matfield, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, Dewald Potgieter, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (captain), Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Morné Steyn, Flip van der Merwe.