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Cape Town - Springbok centre Jesse Kriel says Saturday’s Test against Wales in Washington DC should not be seen as a trial or practice match.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has picked a 26-man squad for the match in America, with 17 players staying behind to prepare for a Test against England in Johannesburg the following week.
Wales could also not select their best team as the match falls outside World Rugby’s Test window.
However, according to Kriel the importance of the match should not be underestimated.
“It’s not a trial match, it’s a Test. The coach picked a team that he feels can go and do the job over there. It’s not an exhibition or practice match, we have to go and win,” Kriel was quoted as saying by Netwerk24.
Kriel also dismissed the notion that a Springbok ‘B-team’ will go to America.
“It was made clear there is not an A or B team. We want to go over there and show everyone what we can do and how we play,” Kriel said.
Erasmus will name his team at 10:30 on Thursday, with Kriel expected to wear the No 13 jersey.
Wales squad:
Forwards
Rob
Evans (25 caps), Wyn Jones (8 caps), Nicky Smith (18 caps), Elliot Dee
(7 caps), Ryan Elias (2 caps), Rhodri Jones (16 caps), Samson Lee (38
caps), Dillon Lewis (2 caps), Adam Beard (2 caps), Bradley Davies (62
caps), Seb Davies (4 caps), Aaron Wainwright (*uncapped), Cory Hill (15
caps - co-captain), James Davies (1 cap), Ellis Jenkins (6 caps -
co-captain), Ross Moriarty (20 caps), Josh Turnbull (8 caps)
Backs
Aled
Davies (8 caps), Gareth Davies (32 caps), Tomos Williams (*uncapped),
Gareth Anscombe (15 caps), Rhys Patchell (8 caps), Hadleigh Parkes (6
caps), Owen Watkin (4 caps), Scott Williams (55 caps), Hallam Amos (15
caps), Steff Evans (9 caps), George North (73 caps), Tom Prydie (5 caps)
Springbok squad to face Wales (in order of name, position, franchise, Test caps, points):
Forwards
Nizaam Carr (loose forward, Stormers, 5, 0), Dan du Preez (loose forward, Sharks, 3, 0), Pieter-Steph du Toit (lock, Stormers, 32, 20 - 4t), Thomas du Toit (prop, Sharks, uncapped), Jason Jenkins (lock, Bulls, uncapped), Steven Kitshoff (prop, Stormers, 23, 5 - 1t), Wilco Louw (prop, Stormers, 5, 0), Frans Malherbe (prop, Stormers, 17, 0), Bongi Mbonambi (hooker, Stormers, 14, 5 - 1t), Oupa Mohojé (loose forward, Cheetahs 18, 0), Ox Nche (prop, Cheetahs, uncapped), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (loose forward, Stormers, uncapped), Marvin Orie (lock, Lions, uncapped), Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker, Sharks 23, 5 - 1t), Kwagga Smith (loose forward, Lions, uncapped), Akker van der Merwe (hooker, Sharks, uncapped)
Backs
Curwin Bosch (utility back Sharks, 1, 0), Andre Esterhuizen (centre, Sharks, uncapped), Warrick Gelant (fullback, Bulls, 2, 5 - 1t), Travis Ismaiel (wing, Bulls, uncapped), Elton Jantjies (flyhalf, Lions, 23, 203 - 2t, 38c, 39p), Jesse Kriel (centre, Bulls, 29, 40 - 8t), Makazole Mapimpi (wing, Sharks, uncapped), Embrose Papier (scrumhalf, Bulls, uncapped), Ivan van Zyl (scrumhalf, Bulls, uncapped), Cameron Wright (scrumhalf, Sharks, uncapped)
