Springbok squad announced!

[Steve-o]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Springbok Squad (Test caps in brackets):

Forwards (14):
John Smit – Sharks (81) – Captain
Victor Matfield – Vodacom Blue Bulls (80) – Vice-Captain
Andries Bekker – Vodacom Western Province (13)
Bakkies Botha – Vodacom Blue Bulls (55)
Schalk Burger – Vodacom Western Province (49)
Deon Carstens – Sharks (7)
Bismarck du Plessis – Sharks (21)
Ryan Kankowski – Sharks (7)
Tendai Mtawarira – Sharks (10)
Chiliboy Ralepelle – Vodacom Blue Bulls (3)
Danie Rossouw – Vodacom Blue Bulls (36)
Juan Smith – Vodacom Cheetahs (54)
Pierre Spies – Vodacom Blue Bulls (19)
Gurthr̦ Steenkamp РVodacom Blue Bulls (20)

Backs (14):
Jean de Villiers – Vodacom Western Province (46)
Fourie du Preez – Vodacom Blue Bulls (43)
Jaque Fourie – Xerox Lions (42)
Bryan Habana – Vodacom Blue Bulls (46)
Adi Jacobs – Sharks (21)
Ricky Januarie – Vodacom Western Province (34)
Odwa Ndungane – Sharks (3)
Jongi Nokwe – Vodacom Cheetahs (3)
Wynand Olivier – Vodacom Blue Bulls (21)
Ruan Pienaar – Sharks (27)
JP Pietersen – Sharks (24)
Earl Rose – Xerox Lions (uncapped)
Frans Steyn – Sharks (27)
Morn̩ Steyn РVodacom Blue Bulls (uncapped)[/b]

Saucy

Be back with some comments soon!

EDIT: Hold on, the fools at keo.co.za didn't post the full squad! Will update asap

FURTHER EDIT: Updated!!

 

[Bull]

Bitterly disappointed that Earl Rose is in the squad, and why is Bandise Maku picked for the Emerging Boks but not Derick Kuun? What happened to Heinrich Brussouw and Deon Stegmann? Again Politics! I'm so sick of this, Ricky Januarie was picked because he is a colored! Kockott and Vermaak is much better. There isn't even a recognized fullback.

I'm really glad Morne Steyn was picked because he deserves it.

 

[munross]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Springbok Squad (Test caps in brackets):
Forwards (14):
John Smit - Sharks (81) - Captain, Victor Matfield -Blue Bulls (80) -Vice-Captain, Andries Bekker - Western Province (13), Bakkies Botha -Blue Bulls (55), Schalk Burger - Western Province (49), Deon Carstens -Sharks (7), Bismarck du Plessis - Sharks (21), Ryan Kankowski - Sharks (7), Tendai Mtawarira - Sharks (10), Chiliboy Ralepelle - Blue Bulls (3), Danie Rossouw - Blue Bulls (36), Juan Smith - Cheetahs (54), Pierre Spies - Blue Bulls (19), Gurthrö Steenkamp - Blue Bulls

(20), Backs (14):

Jean de Villiers - Western Province (46), Fourie du Preez - Blue Bulls (43), Jaque Fourie - Lions (42), Bryan Habana - Blue Bulls (46), Adi Jacobs - Sharks (21), Ricky Januarie - Western Province (34), Odwa Ndungane - Sharks (3), Jongi Nokwe - Cheetahs (3), Wynand Olivier - Blue Bulls (21), Ruan Pienaar - Sharks (27), JP Pietersen - Sharks (24), Earl Rose - Lions (uncapped), Frans Steyn - Sharks (27), Morné Steyn - Blue Bulls (uncapped).

Emerging Springboks Squad:

Forwards (12):

Jacques Botes - Sharks, Jean Deysel - Sharks, Wian du Preez - Cheetahs, Werner Kruger - Blue Bulls, Patrick Cilliers - Sharks, Tiaan Liebenberg - Western Province, Bandisa Maku - Blue Bulls, Dewald Potgieter - Blue Bulls - Captain, Wilhelm Steenkamp - Blue Bulls, Steven Sykes - Sharks, Franco van der Merwe - Lions, Duane Vermeulen - Western Province

Backs (10):

Heini Adams - Blue Bulls, Bjorn Basson - Griquas, Burton Francis - Blue Bulls, Zane Kirchner - Blue Bulls, Louis Ludik - Lions, Morgan Newman -Western Province, Earl Rose - Lions, Deon van Rensburg - Leopards, Jano Vermaak - Lions, Luzuko Vulindlu - Sharks[/b]

http://www.supersport.com/rugby/article.as...uncement%20live

Edit:Feel really sorry for Heinrich Brussouw and Derick Kuun not being picked, fcuking quota system!!! :wall: :angry:

 

[Steve-o]

Well some surprising selections in there. The positions of the players selected were the 1st thing that popped out. We have 3 looseheads in Carstens, BEAST & Steenkamp. 1 "tighthead" in Smit...
We have 4 wingers but no recognised fullback. It seems Jer1cho's prediction of F.Steyn playing fullback was right. Unless Rose is gonna play there...

MORNE STEYN in!!! Finally and well done, looking forward to that one.

Not happy with Januarie, Chilliboy & Rose :redcard: Rose is obviously a quota so P Divvy should of just chose Kirchner!!

 

[Cymro]

Surely Terblanche (sp) should have been included?

 

[Steve-o]

IMO he should have but we do have other younger and very able players to select from.

I think having his experience would be vital at the back, P Divvy thinks other wise.

 

[Steve-o]

http://www.keo.co.za/2009/06/01/ruan-is-th...woods-of-rugby/
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Peter de Villiers believes Ruan Pienaar won’t be underdone come the Test series and reckons the Springboks are spoiled for choice at fullback.

Pienaar has been sidelined with injury for the majority of 2009 and only played three Tests for the Boks at flyhalf in 2008. In preparing him for the Tests, it may have been an option to give him a run for the Sharks against the tourists on 10 June. But when presented with this idea, De Villiers aggressively rebuked suggestions his chosen one would be underdone.

‘I never make decisions unless I’m convinced, I would never play with players’ lives,’ the Bok coach snapped. ‘I don’t need [that match] to justify decisions. I’m sure Ruan will stand up to the challenge.

‘Ruan is the Tiger Woods of rugby and I believe Earl Rose is in the same class.’

Rose will play off the bench for the Golden Lions when they face their British & Irish counterparts on Wednesday. It’s a familiar position for the Lions’ utility player, but De Villiers says this is no reflection on his ability.

‘We took Earl on tour last year and also played him against Namibia, so he knows our structures. His decision-making is brilliant and that was apparent [when he moved to flyhalf in the Namibia XV game].

‘I believe in him and he’s definitely a player we will be looking at in the build up to 2011,’ De Villiers added.

The Bok coach did, however, intimate that Morne Steyn could be Pienaar’s understudy in the Test series. The Bulls’ flyhalf was largely responsible for the Pretoria franchise’s recent success, and his tactical appreciation could be a big boost in a series of this nature.

‘He’s earned his spot by performing week after week. He never let the Bulls down. There are a few things we’ll have to work on so that he fits in [to our game plan], but he has really made this selection possible through his consistent performances.’

De Villiers said Zane Kirchner was unlucky to miss out, but at the same time believes the Boks have enough options at fullback. No specialists have been selected, but De Villiers sees no problem.

‘A few years ago JP Pietersen burst onto the scene as a fullback and was seen as a great prospect. Earl has no been bad when he’s got a chance [at 15], Frans Steyn has played there and if we work with Morne I’m sure he could also be an option.

‘Ruan has already played fullback for the Springboks, so I don’t know how much of a ‘recognised’ player you have to be to play there.’

De Villiers also alluded to what he calls ‘total rugby’. Asked about how vital tactical kicking will be in this series, the Bok coach said it is merely one aspect of the game.

‘We have some great ball carriers and some great runners in our team. The challenge for us is to get the mixture right to play total rugby.’[/b]

Some "reasoning" (using the word loosely here) for his selections.

How about what P Divvy said about Rose:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

"His decision-making is brilliant"[/b]

God bless our coach, he seems insane at times.... Most of the time actually.

 

[candybum]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

‘Ruan is the Tiger Woods of rugby and I believe Earl Rose is in the same class.’[/b]

Holgy Molgies! Maybe Rose will be in the starting line up if he is in fact that world class.

 

[elgringoborracho]

What a team! It seems like the only ones who are not yet legends on the international scene are like the best players in the s14.
Morné Steyn particularly impressed me, hope he gets some significant caps. So what do you think the starting XV should be?

 

[KZNSharksFan]

Usually with springbok selections, one has to have some sort of stress release available when the news is heard i.e. a squeezy stress ball, or an automatic rifle. However this time, there are no huge glaring selection blunders in the squad and I find myself only mildly irritated that:

1) Stefan Terblanche is not even in the squad
2) Politicians have once again helped to speed up-and-coming "non-coloured" players on their way to Europe by not selecting them in the Emerging Team. How have Derik Kuun et all not been selected?

 

[KZNSharksFan]

What I hope will be the starting 22:

1)J Smit
2)B DuPlesis
3)D Carstens
4)B Botha
5) V Matfield
6)S Burger
7)J Smith
8)P Spies
9)F Du Preez
10) M Steyn
11) B Habana
12) J De Villiers
13) J Fourie
14) JP Pieterson
15) F Steyn

With: Olivier, Pienaar, kankowski, Beast, Ralepelle, Nokwe and bekker on the bench.

This team would contain 12 starting players from the 2007 RWC final.

 

[Prestwick]

This doesn't seem all that bad, politics and what not aside, this is a strong squad. Although using the Jason Robinson defence to try and say that by having lots of backs who can catch and kick that means you have millions of full backs is pure creative accounting, simple as that.

Then again, full back isn't as crucial a position as..say...fly-half and thats something which PdV has made sure he's covered. He probably had that priority right at the top of his Early Learning Center "my first whiteboard" in the Mental Institution where he lives...anyone thinks his Dad is the Professor out of Back to the Future?

Actually, thats where he got the idea from!!!!

<PdV> I wonder how I can create the ultimate rugby player by splicing Joost van der Westhuizen with an Asian Sloth?
<Professor> *Bursts into his home in the Delorean*
<Prof> GREAT SCOTT! THIS IS THE YEAR 2009! REMEMBER, SON! IN 2011, JP PIETERSEN WILL BECOME THE BEST FULL BACK IN THE WORLD! EVEN MILLS MULIANA WILL COME TO HIM FOR EDUCATION!
<Prof> Now excuse me! I have to go back in time to 1997, I have three South African fly halves to kidnap!

 

[Jer1cho]

My starting line-up looks to be pretty much spot on. Only thing i had wrong was i had Kirchner being picked ahead of Rose... My biggest disappointment is Schalk Burger being picked. He doesn't deserve to be there. How the hell can he be picked before Heinrich Brussouw? It's because of his reputation. All he is going to do is tackle high and fight. Not happy about that.

How on earth is Derick Kuun not even in the Emerging side? Seriously, wtf?

This would be my guess at the starting 22:

What I hope will be the starting 22:

1) Gurthro Steenkamp (This guy is the best prop in world rugby in my honest opinion...)
2) Bismark DuPlesis
3) John Smit ©
4) Bakkies Botha
5) Victor Matfield
6) Schalk Burger (Sigh)
7) Juan Smith
8) Pierre Spies

9) Fourie Du Preez

10) Ruan Pienaar
11) Bryan Habana
12) Jean De Villiers
13) Jacques Fourie
14) JP Pieterson
15) Francois Steyn

Bench: Wynand Olivier, Morne Steyn, Ryan kankowski, Beast, Chilliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw (or Andries Bekker), Ricky Januarie

That's a pretty dam good side... apart from Burger, unless he by some miracle finds form. Ideally, Pienaar at 15, and Morne Steyn at 10 could work too... But whether Morne Steyn can handle starting in such a huge series is a good question...

 

[KZNSharksFan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jer1cho @ Jun 2 2009, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

My starting line-up looks to be pretty much spot on. Only thing i had wrong was i had Kirchner being picked ahead of Rose... My biggest disappointment is Schalk Burger being picked. He doesn't deserve to be there. How the hell can he be picked before Heinrich Brussouw? It's because of his reputation. All he is going to do is tackle high and fight. Not happy about that.

How on earth is Derick Kuun not even in the Emerging side? Seriously, wtf?

This would be my guess at the starting 22:

What I hope will be the starting 22:

1) Gurthro Steenkamp (This guy is the best prop in world rugby in my honest opinion...)
2) Bismark DuPlesis
3) John Smit ©
4) Bakkies Botha
5) Victor Matfield
6) Schalk Burger (Sigh)
7) Juan Smith
8) Pierre Spies

9) Fourie Du Preez

10) Ruan Pienaar
11) Bryan Habana
12) Jean De Villiers
13) Jacques Fourie
14) JP Pieterson
15) Francois Steyn

Bench: Wynand Olivier, Morne Steyn, Ryan kankowski, Beast, Chilliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw (or Andries Bekker), Ricky Januarie

That's a pretty dam good side... apart from Burger, unless he by some miracle finds form. Ideally, Pienaar at 15, and Morne Steyn at 10 could work too... But whether Morne Steyn can handle starting in such a huge series is a good question...[/b]

You may have a point about Morne and his lack of experience, but surely if he can steer a raging bulls side around the field with such finesse in the semi and final of the S14, he should be able to step up to a lions tour. He will have the familiar face and infinite experience of Du Preez to relieve pressure and also De Villiers on his outside to provide a calming influence.

Not sure about Pienaar though, if he was on form, I would pick him over M Steyn at 10 anyday. But he hasnt really settled into the flyhalf position that well this season. Also, not sure his attacking game play would suit the territory based game this side seems to be selected for, but who knows what PDV will do.

 

[Jer1cho]

Seconded on Pienaar. He is world class when he is fit. Lets just hope that is soon...

 

[Woldog]

Fourie Du Preez is the most annoying Half-back in the world, built like a mini prop with the skill of George Gregan and the kicking ability of Chris Latham.

 

[Steve-o]

My team would be:

1) G. Steenkamp
2) B. du Plessis
3) J. Smit
4) B. Botha
5) V. Matfield
6) S. Burger
7) J. Smith
8) P. Spies
9) F. du Preez
10) R. Pienaar
11) B. Habana
12) J. De Villiers
13) J. Fourie
14) JP Pietersen
15) F. Steyn

16) D. Carstens
17) BEAST!!!!
18) D. Rossouw
19) R. Kankowski
20) R. Januarie
21) W. Olivier
22) M. Steyn
23) ME :bonne-de:

The idea of 2 props is that Smit moves over to hooker later in the game and presumably Carstens will play tighthead although he has not played TH is whole freakin season. A real pity there's no place for Bekker in there, who I rate will be a legend one day. Although He could replace Kankowski and we use Rossouw to cover the backrow instead of Kanko but that will risk that we don't have pace off the bench for the backrow and they don't call him Daniesaurous for nothing.
Another option is also either Ndungane or Nokwe in place of Olivier as he can only cover centre and we have both Frans Steyn & Morne Steyn who can cover 13 & 12 respectively. Pienaar has also covered 15 before so there's space for both him and M.Steyn on the field.
I'm really disappointed that Januarie is there. He's been terrible this season. I have a theory that he might be the replacement tighthead prop... How much does he weight nowdays?!