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Cape Town - Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has responded to critics arguing wing Ruan Combrinck and centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg should have been included in his Rugby Championship squad.
The omission of the Lions duo was criticised by several pundits but the Bok mentor believes he has rewarded players for their form in the national jersey.
Combrinck and Janse van Rensburg recently returned from injuries which saw them miss out selection for the June Test series against France.
Both made an impact in the Lions’ run to the final of Super Rugby bit did not do enough to sway Coetzee's mind.
“How do I justify dropping a player who did nothing wrong. I’ll stick to my policy of continuity,” Coetzee was quoted as saying by Netwerk24.
“Yes, Ruan Combrinck has played well and Rohan Janse van Rensburg has performed when coming on (as a replacement for the Lions). It’s fantastic for the country that there are players like them who are also performing well.”
The Springboks open their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina in Port Elizabeth on August 19.
Springbok squad:
Forwards (19)
Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Pieter-Steph du Toit (all Stormers), Tendai Mtawarira, Coenie Oosthuizen, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Chiliboy Ralepelle (all Sharks), Lizo Gqoboka, Lood de Jager, Trevor Nyakane (all Bulls), Jaco Kriel, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert (all Lions), Uzair Cassiem, Oupa Mohoje (both Cheetahs)
Backs (15)
Warrick Gelant, Jesse Kriel, Rudy Paige, Handre Pollard, Jan Serfontein (all Bulls), Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronje, Elton Jantjies, Courtnall Skosan (all Lions), Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds (both Stormers), Raymond Rhule, Francois Venter (both Cheetahs), Curwin Bosch (Sharks), Francois Hougaard (Worcester/ENG)
