Share

Number of Boks named in SA 'A' squad

Cape Town - Experienced Springboks Trevor Nyakane, Ruan Combrinck, Juan de Jongh and Lionel Mapoe will lead the charge for the SA 'A' team when they face the French Barbarians in two matches in Durban and Soweto next month.

Apart from these four Springboks in the 26-man squad, the national selectors also added a host of promising players in the group to face the French visitors.

The SA 'A' side will again be coached by Lions coach Johan Ackermann, who was also in charge when the team played against the England Saxons last season.

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee said he was excited by the next crop of players coming through the ranks.

"I think we have a brilliant mix of experienced players who have tasted what Test rugby is all about already, and very promising prospects youngsters who will be pushing for higher honours in the not too distant future," said Coetzee.

"In my view, there is definitely a lot of value in having players with Test experience playing with these exciting prospects, who along with the Junior Springboks represent the future of South Arica rugby."

Combrinck, who missed the Springbok tour of the United Kingdom and Italy at the end of 2016 because of injury, is part of an exciting-looking backline. He made an impressive Super Rugby comeback last weekend for the Emirates Lions against the Bulls in Johannesburg.

Other SA 'A' squad members who have represented the Springboks at Test level include Nyakane (prop, Bulls), De Jongh (centre, Stormers), Mapoe (centre, Lions), Uzair Cassiem (flank, Cheetahs), Jean-Luc du Preez (flank, Sharks), Francois Venter (centre, Cheetahs) and Jamba Ulengo (wing, Bulls).

They are joined by exciting youngsters such as Ox Nche (prop, Cheetahs), Thomas du Toit (prop, Sharks), Jason Jenkins (lock, Bulls), Chris Cloete (flank, Pumas/Southern Kings), Andisa Ntsila (loose forward, Southern Kings) and Makazole Mapimpi (wing, Southern Kings).

The SA 'A' squad:

Forwards

Ruan Botha (lock), Sharks 
Uzair Cassiem (loose forward), Cheetahs
Chris Cloete (loose forward), Kings
Thomas du Toit (prop), Sharks
Andries Ferreira (lock), Lions 
Jason Jenkins (lock), Bulls
Wilco Louw (prop), Stormers
Jean-Luc du Preez (loose forward), Sharks
Franco Marais (hooker), Sharks 
Ox Nche (prop), Cheetahs
Sikhumbuzo Notshe (loose forward), Stormers
Andisa Ntsila (loose forward), Kings
Trevor Nyakane (prop), Bulls 
Ramone Samuels (hooker), Stormers 

Backs

Ruan Combrinck (wing), Lions 
Lionel Cronje (flyhalf), Kings 
Juan de Jongh (centre), Stormers 
Warrick Gelant (fullback), Bulls 
Makazole Mapimpi (wing), Kings
Lionel Mapoe (centre), Lions 
Dewaldt Duvenage (scrumhalf), Stormers 
Jamba Ulengo (wing), Bulls 
Francois Venter (centre), Cheetahs
Jano Vermaak (scrumhalf) Stormers 
Harold Vorster (centre), Lions 
Fred Zeilinga (flyhalf), Cheetahs

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!
26% - 1140 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1315 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2013 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