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Welsh stars to face Boks

Cape Town - Wales will be able to call on their French-based stars for Saturday's Test against the Springboks at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.


The match falls outside of World Rugby's Test window, which means clubs are not obliged to release their overseas-based players for internationals.

For this reason, the Springboks will not be able to call on the likes of Bryan Habana (Toulon, France) JP Pietersen (Panasonic Wild Knights, Japan), Schalk Burger (Suntory Sungoliath, Japan), Johan Goosen (Racing Metro, France), Jano Vermaak (Toulouse, France), Gurthro Steenkamp (Toulouse, France) and Morne Steyn (Stade Francais, France).

However, it appears Wales will be able to call on some key overseas players.

According to SA Rugbymag, the Wales Rugby Union (WRU) currently has a deal with the French clubs, and has already secured the release of some big-name players for the clash against the Boks.

Fullback Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), centres Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro) and Jonathan Davies (Clermont), scrumhalf Mike Phillips (Racing Metro) and lock Luke Charteris (Racing Metro) will all be available to front the Springboks.

However, the WRU doesn’t have the same deal with the English clubs, and will therefore have to release prop Paul James (Bath) and hooker Richard Hibbard (Gloucester). Their backline may be close to full strength, but their pack will be depleted.

Saturday's Test kicks off at 16:30 SA time.

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