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Coetzee names 31-man Springboks squad to take on Ireland

Allister Coetzee might not be the right fit for the Boks. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
29th May, 2016
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There are nine uncapped players in Allister Coetzee’s Spingboks squad, named to take on Ireland in a three-Test series in June.

Garth April, Ruan Combrinck, Faf de Klerk, Nic Groom, Steven Kitshoff, Jaco Kriel, Bongi Mbonambi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Scarra Ntubeni are the new additions to the squad of 31.

Springboks squad named to play Ireland

Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Scarra Ntubeni, Jaco Kriel, Julian Redelinghuys, Warren Whiteley, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss, Lood de Jager, Steven Kitshoff, Francois Louw, Tendai Mtawarira, Duane Vermeulen

Backs: Garth April, Patrick Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo, JP Pietersen, Wille le Roux, Ruan Combrinck, Faf de Klerk, Elton Jantjies, Lionel Mapoe, Jesse Kriel, Rudy Paige, Jan Serfontein, Damian de Allende, Nic Groom

April comes as something of a shock, called up in his first season of Super Rugby for the Sharks, while Combrinck, Kriel and de Klerk are rewarded for their form with the Africa-leading Lions.

The other five new faces are all players Coetzee has previously worked with during his stint as coach of the Stormers.

The squad has a clear focus on those talents currently plying their trade in South Africa rather than overseas, with the likes of Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis – currently based in France – overlooked.

“The announcement of the squad, while hugely challenging, is a highlight of my career and a result of a lot of hard work and a huge amount of planning since my appointment,” said Coetzee.

“The selection of this squad was based on rewarding form and exposing young and upcoming local players to the Springboks, which is why priority was given to locally based players. We have many experienced players still available for selection, but we just felt that the time was right to look at the next generation.

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“Our depth was obviously tested in certain positions, but this also created opportunities for new players, who have found their feet at Vodacom Super Rugby level, and to make the step up to the Springboks.

“I was appointed to win Test matches and I believe we have picked the best possible, available squad to do that. During my recent visits to the various franchises, I witnessed an unbelievable desire and passion from our players to play for South Africa, which was really heartening.

“We will now start with our preparations in earnest in Stellenbosch so that we can be ready for Ireland in Cape Town in two weeks’ time.”

In some way the names who are missing tell the story of this squad just as much as the names that are new. Retirees Victor Matfield, Jean de Villiers and Fourie du Preez are now noticeably absent.

Coetzee hasn’t named a new captain to replace de Villiers at this stage, intending to spend a bit more time with the squad before making a decision.

“We have a number of captaincy candidates to consider and I will announce the name of the captain when we name the team to face Ireland in Cape Town in a few days’ time,” said Coetzee.

Bryan Habana is also absent – focusing on his goal of playing Rugby Sevens at the Olympics – as is Schalk Burger, currently injured.

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