Adriaanse and Carr named in test squad
PROP Lourens Adriaanse and flanker Nizaam Carr have replaced unavailable Jannie du Plessis and injured Jaco Kriel in the test squad for a tour of Europe next month.
Loose forward Kriel tore knee ligaments playing in Japan and will be out of action for up to eight weeks.
France-based tighthead Du Plessis, a 2007 Rugby World Cup winner, wants to be with his wife, who is expecting their third child soon.
Adriaanse and Carr were originally chosen for an exhibition match against the Barbarians at the Wembley Stadium in London, but not for tests in England, Italy and Wales.
Coach Allister Coetzee said Du Plessis remained part of his plans as he tries to revive the Boks, who have lost five of nine tests this season.
“Jannie has a wealth of experience, a burning desire to still be part of the Springboks.”
South Africa play the Barbarians on November 5, England in London on November 12, Italy in Florence on November 19 and Wales in Cardiff on November 26.
The Springboks hold a final training session in Johannesburg today.
Coetzee has been working with 12 young players, including the exciting loose trio of Uzair Cassiem‚ Roelof Smit and Jean-Luc du Preez.
The newcomers believe this is their time to shine and they intend to grab the opportunities that come their way with both hands.
They have all expressed excitement at being included in the national squad.
Du Preez‚ the son of former Bok Robert du Preez‚ said while his father was proud of his call-up to the Springbok side and there may be pressure that comes with being the offspring of a legendary Bok‚ it was time for him to make his own mark.
“He [Robert] is really proud‚ like any other parent would be happy for their child‚” the 21-year-old said.
“Look‚ my dad played and that is in the past now. I’d like to think that it is my time now.”
The loose trio could have an opportunity to don the green and gold jersey next week against the Barbarians following good seasons for their provincial sides in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby.
Du Preez starred for the Sharks‚ Smit for the Bulls and Cassiem‚ who was named man of the match in the Currie Cup final‚ for the Cheetahs.
The 26-year-old Cassiem has been a standout performer this season and the most influential Cheetahs player in the side’s road to Currie Cup success.
He credits his teammates at his provincial side for his good form.
“I need to give credit to the whole [Cheetahs] squad of 45 players.”
The newbies have settled in very well in the Bok setup and they are determined to ensure a good finish to an otherwise substandard year.
“It is a big honour and privilege to be here‚” Smit‚ regarded as the best fetcher in the country, said.
“Our first sessions were incredibly good.”
South Africa squad:
Forwards (18): Lourens Adriaanse, Willem Alberts, Nizaam Carr, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Oupa Mohoje, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Jean-Luc du Preez, Roelof Smit, Adriaan Strauss (capt), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Warren Whiteley Backs (15): Damian de Allende, Ruan Combrinck, Faf de Klerk, Johan Goosen, Bryan Habana, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Patrick Lambie, Lionel Mapoe, Rudy Paige, Sergeal Petersen, JP Pietersen, Willie le Roux, Francois Venter, Piet van Zyl