Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Former Springbok front ranker Ollie le Roux says he would pick Cheetahs captain Adriaan Strauss as first choice hooker for the Boks.
Le Roux told Volksblad's website that on current form Jannie du Plessis (Sharks) and Steven Kitshoff (Stormers) would complete his Springbok front row.
"Adriaan, with his leadership and overall play, stands out head and shoulders above everyone else. I'll pick Chiliboy Ralepelle (Bulls) as his deputy, while Deon Fourie (Stormers) could also be considered.
"I won't bring a guy like Bismarck du Plessis (who is currently injured) into the mix just yet. He first needs to prove that he can play six consecutive games for 80 minutes. On form alone he wouldn't lift Adriaan out of top spot in any case.
Le Roux gives Kitshoff the thumbs up due to the current calf injury of the Sharks' Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira.
"Beast will be first choice if he's ready, but in his absence Steven Kitshoff will be my loosehead."
Le Roux said he would also consider Dean Greyling (Bulls) and Trevor Nyakane (Cheetahs) for the loosehead position.
For Du Plessis' replacement at tighthead, Le Roux picked the Kings' Kevin Buys ahead of Cheetah Coenie Oosthuizen.
The Springboks start their campaign this year with a Test against Italy in Durban on June 8.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you agree with Ollie le Roux's picks for the Springbok front row? Or would you like to see other players picked? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
Le Roux told Volksblad's website that on current form Jannie du Plessis (Sharks) and Steven Kitshoff (Stormers) would complete his Springbok front row.
"Adriaan, with his leadership and overall play, stands out head and shoulders above everyone else. I'll pick Chiliboy Ralepelle (Bulls) as his deputy, while Deon Fourie (Stormers) could also be considered.
"I won't bring a guy like Bismarck du Plessis (who is currently injured) into the mix just yet. He first needs to prove that he can play six consecutive games for 80 minutes. On form alone he wouldn't lift Adriaan out of top spot in any case.
Le Roux gives Kitshoff the thumbs up due to the current calf injury of the Sharks' Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira.
"Beast will be first choice if he's ready, but in his absence Steven Kitshoff will be my loosehead."
Le Roux said he would also consider Dean Greyling (Bulls) and Trevor Nyakane (Cheetahs) for the loosehead position.
For Du Plessis' replacement at tighthead, Le Roux picked the Kings' Kevin Buys ahead of Cheetah Coenie Oosthuizen.
The Springboks start their campaign this year with a Test against Italy in Durban on June 8.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you agree with Ollie le Roux's picks for the Springbok front row? Or would you like to see other players picked? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
