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Johannesburg – Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is likely to pick a largely experimental side for the June 5 Test against Wales in Cardiff.
It appears that few, if any, Bulls and Stormers players will be included.
De Villiers will use the game to take stock in the build-up to next year’s World Cup in New Zealand.
De Villiers will be able to test a number of South African players plying their trade overseas to see if they have a role to play at the World Cup.
Other players on the verge of inclusion that played well for the Sharks and Cheetahs may also get game time.
Bulls and Stormers players are only likely to come into the reckoning for the Springboks’ first Test on home soil against France.
De Villiers will name the Test squad in Soweto after Saturday’s second Super 14 semi-final between the Stormers and Waratahs in Cape Town.
The Springbok management already convened on Monday to discuss the year’s hectic schedule.
Apart from the Tests against Wales and France, the Boks play two Tests against Italy prior to the start of the Tri-Nations.
The Bok squad for the Tests against France and Italy will only be named after the Super 14 final.
While there was speculation earlier this year that De Villiers was planning changes to the Bok management team, it appears as if no shake-up is imminent.
“I feel convinced that we’re on the right track and that I have the full support of my management team,” De Villiers said on Tuesday.
“This year is very important for our planning and building momentum for the World Cup in 2011.
“I’m excited about the amount of planning that has been done for the year ahead and I’m looking forward optimistically.”
Meanwhile, the International Rugby Board (IRB) have paved the way for a return to traditional tours from 2012 onwards.
It will be especially relevant to June Tests matches when teams from the Northern Hemisphere tour the Southern Hemisphere.
The Test series’ will comprise of three matches, while midweek matches against provincial and club sides are also set to return.
Johannesburg – Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is likely to pick a largely experimental side for the June 5 Test against Wales in Cardiff.
It appears that few, if any, Bulls and Stormers players will be included.
De Villiers will use the game to take stock in the build-up to next year’s World Cup in New Zealand.
De Villiers will be able to test a number of South African players plying their trade overseas to see if they have a role to play at the World Cup.
Other players on the verge of inclusion that played well for the Sharks and Cheetahs may also get game time.
Bulls and Stormers players are only likely to come into the reckoning for the Springboks’ first Test on home soil against France.
De Villiers will name the Test squad in Soweto after Saturday’s second Super 14 semi-final between the Stormers and Waratahs in Cape Town.
The Springbok management already convened on Monday to discuss the year’s hectic schedule.
Apart from the Tests against Wales and France, the Boks play two Tests against Italy prior to the start of the Tri-Nations.
The Bok squad for the Tests against France and Italy will only be named after the Super 14 final.
While there was speculation earlier this year that De Villiers was planning changes to the Bok management team, it appears as if no shake-up is imminent.
“I feel convinced that we’re on the right track and that I have the full support of my management team,” De Villiers said on Tuesday.
“This year is very important for our planning and building momentum for the World Cup in 2011.
“I’m excited about the amount of planning that has been done for the year ahead and I’m looking forward optimistically.”
Meanwhile, the International Rugby Board (IRB) have paved the way for a return to traditional tours from 2012 onwards.
It will be especially relevant to June Tests matches when teams from the Northern Hemisphere tour the Southern Hemisphere.
The Test series’ will comprise of three matches, while midweek matches against provincial and club sides are also set to return.
