Tri-Nations
Div: Don't write off new Boks
2011-07-10 14:45
Cape Town - Springbok coach Peter de Villiers feels his so-called B-team - who travels to Australasia for the Tri-Nations this week - could spring a few surprises.
Six of the players in the Bok squad have never played Test rugby before, and will get their first taste of international rugby against two of the world's most dangerous sides, New Zealand and Australia.
De Villiers feels these newcomers bring a new energy to the Bok squad and believes they could just show the mighty All Blacks and fleet-footed Wallabies a thing or two.
"For younger players like Bjorn Basson, Patrick Lambie and Ashley Johnson, this is a massive opportunity to prove their worth at a higher level," said De Villiers.
"I'm also very excited to see different props like Werner Kruger and Dean Greyling in action.
De Villiers feels this is an ideal opportunity for these players to stake a claim for a spot in the Springboks' World Cup group.
"There's a good seven, eight or nine spots open in the World Cup team for later this year."
Meanwhile, the SANZAR governing body has said that it is satisfied that South Africa are sending their best available team to Australasia.
This comes after Australia's rugby boss, John O'Neill,
complained last week that he believes the Boks are resting their best players for the Tri-Nations.
Altogether 23 Springboks are currently out injured and SANZAR is convinced that all of them are in fact struggling with injuries.