Erasmus calls up Bismarck du Plessis to bolster Bok test squad
VETERAN France-based hooker Bismarck du Plessis was recalled on Saturday by new South Africa coach Johan “Rassie” Erasmus for a three-test series against England next month.
The 34-year-old will not be available for a one-off test against Wales in Washington on Saturday because his club, Montpellier, are playing Castres in the French Top 14 final.
Four other foreign-based players named are also set to miss the Wales match as it falls outside the test window.
After meeting Wales, South Africa tackle England in Johannesburg on June 9, in Bloemfontein on June 16 and in Cape Town on June 23.
Du Plessis is among four hookers in a 43-man squad who will be competing for the green and gold shirt after an injury sidelined first choice Malcolm Marx.
The others are Bongi Mbonambi, who understudied Marx last season, Chiliboy Ralepelle and Akker van der Merwe, one of 17 uncapped players named.
Du Plessis, once rated the best hooker in the world, was discarded after South Africa finished third at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. “Bismarck brings valuable experience to the squad,” SuperSport analyst and former Springbok lock Victor Matfield said.
“He has been having a fantastic season in France with Montpellier and his style of play is similar to Malcolm’s.”
Former Springbok flanker Erasmus said: “I know how important experience is at test level, so we thought long and hard about which players to pull in from abroad.
“In the end we settled on five players who have consistently performed well for their clubs in the tough England and France competitions.” Fullback Willie le Roux of Wasps, centre Francois Steyn of Montpellier, scrumhalf Faf de Klerk of Sale Sharks and loose forward Duane Vermeulen of Toulon were the others to get the nod.
Erasmus is preparing for his first internationals after succeeding largely unsuccessful Allister Coetzee this year.
South Africa barred the selection of foreign-based players with fewer than 30 caps last season, but Erasmus convinced officials to scrap the rule, permitting De Klerk to be picked.
There are three Du Preez brothers -- flyhalf Robert, flanker Jean-Luc and number eight Daniel -- in the squad and their father, Robert, is a former Springbok scrumhalf.
Erasmus said he would name his captain today after the two forwards who led the team last year, Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth, were ruled out by injury.
The Springbok squad is:
Outside backs: Curwin Bosch (Sharks), Aphiwe Dyantyi (Lions), Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel (both Bulls), Willie le Roux (Wasps), Makazole Mapimpi, Sibusiso Nkosi (both Sharks). Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Stormers), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Bulls), Frans Steyn (Montpellier). Flyhalves: Robert du Preez (Sharks), Elton Jantjies (Lions), Handre Pollard (Bulls). Scrumhalves: Faf de Klere (Sale Sharks), Embrose Papier, Ivan van Zyl (both Bulls), Cameron Wight (Sharks). Props: Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe (all Stormers), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Ox Nche (Cheetahs), Trevor Nyakane (Bulls). Hookers: Bismarck du Plessis (Montpellier), Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers), Chilliboy Ralepelle, Akker van der Merwe (both Sharks). Locks: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers), Jason Jenkins (Bulls), Franco Mostert, Marvin Orie (both Lions), RG Snyman (Bulls). Loose forwards: Nizaam Carr (Stormers), Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez (both Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Stormers), Oupa Mohoje (Cheetahs), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Duane Vermeulen (Toulon).