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No Bok shocks expected

Cape Town - It is unlikely that there will be any shock inclusions when the Springboks announce their 30-man squad for the Rugby World Cup on Tuesday evening.

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The Boks breathed a sigh of relief on Monday when Patrick Lambie and Frans Steyn were cleared to be included in the squad.

According to Die Burger newspaper, it is likely that 25 of the 26 players who played during the home leg of the Tri-Nations will board the plane to New Zealand.

Sharks flank Jean Deysel looks set to be the only one to miss out.

Willem Alberts - who impressed with his battering runs against the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth - is expected to make the trip to New Zealand.

Ashley Johnson's versatility and skills have also ensured his inclusion.

The Boks should only pick three specialist locks, as Danie Rossouw could also fulfill that role if need be. Gerhard Mostert will be the third backrower behind Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.

Despite a poor Super Rugby campaign, prop CJ van der Linde is also expected to be included, mainly due to his ability to play loosehead and tighthead.

Tendai (Beast) Mtawarira, Jannie du Plessis and Gurthrö Steenkamp should be assured of their spots.

Amongst the backs, the Boks are also blessed with a lot of versatile players which makes the selection process slightly easier for coach Peter de Villiers.

Butch James will go as a second flyhalf, but is also very capable at inside centre, while Juan de Jongh can play inside and outside centre.

Therefore, Wynand Olivier and Adi Jacobs will probably miss the cut.

Ruan Pienaar, Lambie and Steyn are all versatile players who could slot in at flyhalf if Morné Steyn gets injured.

De Villiers said that Steyn (Morné) showed against the All Blacks that he is South Africa's No 1 flyhalf.

John Smit will lead the side, with Victor Matfield taking the captain's armband when Smit leaves the field.

The probable Bok-group is:

Fullbacks: Frans Steyn, Patrick Lambie.

Wings:
Bryan Habana, Lwazi Movo, JP Pietersen, Gio Aplon.

Centres:
Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Juan de Jongh.

Flyhalves: Morné Steyn, Butch James.

Scrumhalves:
Fourie du Preez, Ruan Pienaar, Francois Hougaard.

Eightmen:
Pierre Spies, Ashley Johnson.

Flanks: Schalk Burger, Heinrich Brüssow, Willem Alberts, Danie Rossouw.

Locks: Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Gerhard Mostert.

Tighthead props:
Jannie du Plessis, CJ van der Linde.

Hookers: John Smit (k), Bismarck du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralepelle.

Loosehead props:
Tendai Mtawarira, Gurthrö Steenkamp.
 
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