Share

Bok coach explains Bismarck omission

Cape Town - Springbok coach Allister Coetzee believes preference should be given to local players when selecting the national team.

Coetzee was responding to questions why France-based Bismarck du Plessis was not included in the Springbok squad to face France in a three-Test series next month.

After naming his squad on Tuesday, Coetzee included Malcolm Marx (Lions), Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers) and the Chiliboy Ralepelle (Sharks) as his three hookers.

Earlier media reports indicated that Du Plessis may crack the nod for the Springbok squad and when probed on his decision-making, Coetzee told Netwerk24:

“I took note of his performances in France, but I just felt that in Malcolm Marx I have a hooker here at home who is delivering top-notch performances and showed he will definitely not let the team down.”

Coetzee did include four overseas-based players: prop Steven Kitshoff (Bordeaux Bègles, France), Duane Vermeulen (Toulon, France), Francois Hougaard (Worcester Warriors, England) and Frans Steyn (Montpellier, France).

Kitshoff though is set to return to the Stormers full-time after completing his French duties.

The Springboks will face France on Saturday, June 10 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, followed by Tests at Kings Park in Durban (June 17) and Ellis Park in Johannesburg (June 24).

Springbok squad:

Forwards

Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ruan Dreyer, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Jaco Kriel, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Oupa Mohoje, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Lizo Gqoboka, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley (captain)

Backs

Lukhanyo Am, Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronje, Damian de Allende, Francois Hougaard, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Dillyn Leyds, Rudy Paige, Raymond Rhule, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan, Frans Steyn

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1152 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1334 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2035 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE