Rassie happy with Bok mix

Rudolph Jacobs

– Despite not finding room in the national squad for Sharks hooker Akker van der Merwe, the Man-of-the-Match in the Currie Cup final at the weekend, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expressed his satisfaction with the Springbok leadership ahead of their end-of-year tour.

There was also no place in the Bok squad for any of the three Du Preez brothers in the Sharks team – powerful loose forwards Jean-Luc and Dan, and flyhalf Robert – who were all big stars in the domestic trophy decider.

The Boks departed on Saturday for their opening Test of the tour on Saturday against England at Twickenham.

Trevor Nyakane (prop) and Lood de Jager (lock) were back in the fold after missing the entire international season due to injury, while Duane Vermeulen (loose forward) also returned after missing the Rugby Championship.

“I’m very happy with the leadership in the squad, with Duane being back and with guys like Warren (Whiteley) and Eben (Etzebeth) to support Siya (Kolisi, captain),” Erasmus said.

Also named in the 36-member squad were the uncapped Province trio of Sergeal Petersen (wing), Ruhan Nel (centre) and JD Schickerling (lock).

There were recalls for veteran fullback Gio Aplon and wing Sbu Nkosi.

“Gio has a lot of experience of playing in the challenging European conditions from his club rugby stint in France, while Louis has been impressive in the Currie Cup,” Erasmus said.

Lock Franco Mostert has been confirmed as a Lions player after a contractual tug-of-war with English club Gloucester, and he is available for Saturday.

Cape Town