Springboks Name RWC Squad
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Heyneke Meyer has named his 31 man squad that will represent South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. There were 2 notable inclusions to the squad with injury prone prop, Coenie Oosthuizen, making the cut having not played much during the season due to a neck injury and uncapped Bulls scrum half, Rudy Paige.
The Bulls half back had a great Super Rugby season with the Pretoria franchise and has been a member of the Bok squad this season but is yet to make a match day 23.
The big talking point on exclusions are that of Marcel Coetzee, Heinrich Brussow, Cobus Reinach, Jan Serfontein, Oupa Mahoje and Lionel Mapoe. Coetzee may have missed out due to his injury but both Brussow & Reinach have been integral parts of the Bok team over the past few games.
Returns for Fourie du Preez, Zane Kirchner & the captain Jean de Villiers.
Both du Preez & de Villiers have struggled with injury and lack match fitness but will add immense experience to the side.
South Africa get their campaign underway on 19 September against Japan
Springbok 31 Man Squad:
Props: Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Jannie du Plessis, Frans Malherbe, Coenie Oosthuizen. |
Hookers: Bismarck du Plessis, Adriaan Strauss, Schalk Britz |
Locks: Victor Matfield, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager |
Loose forwards: Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Willem Alberts, Schalk Burger, Siya Kolisi |
Scrumhalves: Fourie du Preez, Ruan Pienaar, Rudy Paige |
Flyhalves: Pat Lambie, Handre Pollard, Morne Steyn |
Centres: Jean de Villiers (capt), Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel. |
Wings: Bryan Habana, JP Pietersen, Lwazi Mvovo |
Fullbacks: Willie le Roux, Zane Kirchner |