Springbok Squad for June Tests 2018

[mdaclarke]

Is the Wales test an official test? If a player plays in it will that tie him to the Boks/Wales?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yes

 

[unrated]

So Chiliboy Ralepelle is the first confirmed player picked for the June Internationals.
He hasn't really played much at all this year. In Fact he is clearly third choice at the Sharks this year in terms of playing time.
Sharks head coach says the only reason that he was left out of the Sharks team traveling to Argentina is because he is going to play for the Springboks this June.
Does anyone buy that excuse from Du Preez? I mean if they are going to "rest" him because he is going to play for the Springboks then why not also do it for the other Springboks in the Sharks team such as the du Preez twins or Beast?
They have played almost non stop and if anyone needs a rest it would be them? If anything Chiliboy needs some game time. I think the real reasoning is that Robert du Preez can't afford to play our third best hooker in such a crucial match so he uses the convenient excuse that Chiliboy will be picked for the Springboks.


Edit: Chiliboy has only started for the Sharks in weeks 8, 9 and 10. that's 3 times out of 15 rounds so far. Sure he is being "rested"

 

[TRF_heineken]

So Chiliboy Ralepelle is the first confirmed player picked for the June Internationals.
He hasn't really played much at all this year. In Fact he is clearly third choice at the Sharks this year in terms of playing time.
Sharks head coach says the only reason that he was left out of the Sharks team traveling to Argentina is because he is going to play for the Springboks this June.
Does anyone buy that excuse from Du Preez? I mean if they are going to "rest" him because he is going to play for the Springboks then why not also do it for the other Springboks in the Sharks team such as the du Preez twins or Beast?
They have played almost non stop and if anyone needs a rest it would be them? If anything Chiliboy needs some game time. I think the real reasoning is that Robert du Preez can't afford to play our third best hooker in such a crucial match so he uses the convenient excuse that Chiliboy will be picked for the Springboks.

Probably because Chilliboy will only play the Wales test, in being one of the 10 that is part of the 40-man squad, but not the 30-man squad. Let the Du Preez brothers play against the Jaguares, rest them against Wales and play them against England...

Easy

 

[Gena_ZA]

Extended squad announced:

The Springbok squad for the June internationals:

Forwards (24): Nizaam Carr, Bismarck du Plessis, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Jason Jenkins, Steven Kitshoff, Siyamthanda Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Teboho Mohojé, Francois Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Retshegofaditswe Nche, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, Mahlatse Ralepelle, Alberts Smith, Rudolph Snyman, Armand van der Merwe, Duane Vermeulen,

Backs (19): Lukhanyo Am, Curwin Bosch, Damian de Allende, Francois de Klerk, Robert du Preez, Aphiwe Dyantyi, André Esterhuizen, Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Sibusiso Nkosi, Embrose Papier, Handré Pollard, Francois Steyn, Ivan van Zyl, Cameron Wright.

17 uncapped players: Ox Nche (prop), Thomas du Toit (prop), Armand (Akker) van der Merwe (hooker), Rudoplh (RG) Snyman (lock), Marvin Orie (lock), Jason Jenkins (lock), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (loose forward), Albertus (Kwagga) Smith (loose forward), Ivan van Zyl (scrumhalf), Embrose Papier (scrumhalf), Cameron Wright (scrumhalf), Robert du Preez (flyhalf), Andre Esterhuizen (centre), Sibusiso Nkosi (wing), Aphiwe Dyantyi (wing), Makazole Mapimpi (wing) and Travis Ismaiel (wing).

5 overseas: Bismarck du Plessis (hooker), Duane Vermeulen (No 8), Francois (Faf) de Klerk (scrumhalf), Frans Steyn (centre) and Willie le Roux (fullback).

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Koch, Cronjé, Rhule and Coetzee unlucky IMO.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Faf boooooooyyyyyyy <3

 

[mdaclarke]

What about Combrinck and Groom?

 

[Gena_ZA]

Koch is due for surgery, would have been there
Cronjé, Rhule and Coetzee seriously overrated - see Boks results with them under previous coach (these are my views only)
Groom nowhere close to selection
Combrink still on comeback, chosen players better than him at present

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Koch is due for surgery, would have been there
Cronjé, Rhule and Coetzee seriously overrated - see Boks results with them under previous coach (these are my views only)

You could say that about pretty much every bok player though.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Raymond Rhule and Ruan Botha wasn't considered at all as they both got straight red cards this past weekend and will in all likelihood have lengthy bans so they wouldn't have bee eligible to play this upcoming series.

With that said, I'm very optimistic about this squad. And yes, he picked 43 guys, where 13 will miss out on the England series, but what it showed me is that Rassie is looking at one aspect where previous coaches didn't put in enough emphasis. And that is form. All the guys he picked are in tremendous form for their respective franchises, guys like Kwagga, Akker and Jason Jenkins who got MOTM awards the past few weeks are being rewarded.

What is interesting is that Rassie has picked very few experienced players, and it seems like he's already focusing on building a squad for the World Cup.

I have no objections whatsoever with any of the guys he picked. And I'm glad he didn't pick guys like Ross Cronje, Rhule or Andries Coetzee. They are all so one-dimensional and are figured out very quickly.

What is interesting is the setup of the players he selected:

Props: Strong Scrummagers and Ball carrying abilities
Locks: Moster and Jenkins are good carriers and tacklers, while RG, Orie and PSDT are more mobile and have good ball skills
Back Row: Vermeulen and the Du Preez twins = big strong and powerful, Kolisi, Carr, Notshe and Smith = fast & mobile, just like Rassie was.
Scrumhalves: Good passers who can actually do a box kick accurately and can snipe.
Fly Halves: Good Distributors with accurate kicking boots
Centres: De Allende, Steyn and Esterhuizen - Big & Strong, Am & Kriel - Quick and good running lines
Wings: Fast and Elusive - The selection of Ishmaiel and Mapimpi shows that there is a plan to play the high ball
Fullbacks: Gelant, Le Roux and Bosch - Counter attacking specialists

Now I know most of you would say "but that is that position's traditional role", and you would be right, I think that Rassie is going with the plan of doing the basic roles of each position right, and be as uncompromising as possible.

A few guys I think who missed out on selection:
Roelof Smit
Marco van Staden
Adriaan Strauss (retired)
Rohan Janse van Rensburg
Harold Vorster
Madosh Tambwe
Ruan Dreyer
Francois Venter
JJ Engelbrecht
Cobus Reinach
Lionel Mapoe
Thembelani Bholi

Rassie will today select his 26-man squad that will be going to the USA, and also introduce his Captain(s). Rumours are that Rassie will select 2 captains for the series, and the other rumour is that Pieter-Steph Du Toit will be one of the captains...

 

[TRF_heineken]

So PSDT and Siya Kolisi are the new Bok captains:

https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Springboks/du-toit-kolisi-named-bok-captains-20180528

 

[SomeOke]

Springbok squad for Wales Test:

Forwards: Nizaam Carr (Stormers), Dan du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers), Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Jason Jenkins (Bulls), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Wilco Louw (Stormers), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers), Oupa Mohojé (Cheetahs), Ox Nche (Cheetahs), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Marvin Orie (Lions), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Sharks), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Akker van der Merwe (Sharks).

Backs: Curwin Bosch (Sharks), André Esterhuizen (Sharks), Warrick Gelant (Bulls), Travis Ismaiel (Bulls), Elton Jantjies (Lions), Jesse Kriel (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Embrose Papier (Bulls), Ivan van Zyl (Bulls), Cameron Wright (Sharks).


My own list of players NOT going to America

Forwards (8): Bismarck du Plessis, Jean-Luc du Preez, Siyamthanda Kolisi, Francois Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Rudolph Snyman, Duane Vermeulen,

Backs (9): Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Francois de Klerk, Robert du Preez, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Willie le Roux, Sibusiso Nkosi, Handré Pollard, Francois Steyn



We can probably infer a likely starting June Test team from the bottom list of players.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Springbok squad for Wales Test:

Forwards: Nizaam Carr (Stormers), Dan du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers), Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Jason Jenkins (Bulls), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Wilco Louw (Stormers), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers), Oupa Mohojé (Cheetahs), Ox Nche (Cheetahs), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Marvin Orie (Lions), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Sharks), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Akker van der Merwe (Sharks).

Backs: Curwin Bosch (Sharks), André Esterhuizen (Sharks), Warrick Gelant (Bulls), Travis Ismaiel (Bulls), Elton Jantjies (Lions), Jesse Kriel (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Embrose Papier (Bulls), Ivan van Zyl (Bulls), Cameron Wright (Sharks).


My own list of players NOT going to America

Forwards (8): Bismarck du Plessis, Jean-Luc du Preez, Siyamthanda Kolisi, Francois Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Rudolph Snyman, Duane Vermeulen,

Backs (9): Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Francois de Klerk, Robert du Preez, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Willie le Roux, Sibusiso Nkosi, Handré Pollard, Francois Steyn



We can probably infer a likely starting June Test team from the bottom list of players.

Yup, although Rassie is taking 26 guys to the USA, so 3 guys are just going as back-up so they could also feature. But its hard for me to see PSDT also not starting against England...

 

[unrated]

Springbok squad for Wales Test:

Forwards: Nizaam Carr (Stormers), Dan du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers), Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Jason Jenkins (Bulls), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Wilco Louw (Stormers), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers), Oupa Mohojé (Cheetahs), Ox Nche (Cheetahs), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Marvin Orie (Lions), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Sharks), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Akker van der Merwe (Sharks).

Backs: Curwin Bosch (Sharks), André Esterhuizen (Sharks), Warrick Gelant (Bulls), Travis Ismaiel (Bulls), Elton Jantjies (Lions), Jesse Kriel (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Embrose Papier (Bulls), Ivan van Zyl (Bulls), Cameron Wright (Sharks).


My own list of players NOT going to America

Forwards (8): Bismarck du Plessis, Jean-Luc du Preez, Siyamthanda Kolisi, Francois Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Rudolph Snyman, Duane Vermeulen,

Backs (9): Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Francois de Klerk, Robert du Preez, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Willie le Roux, Sibusiso Nkosi, Handré Pollard, Francois Steyn



We can probably infer a likely starting June Test team from the bottom list of players.

Who is Rudolph Snyman? Never heard of him. Pretty sure he doesn't play for one of the Super rugby franchises.
Also think that Pieter Steph should be likely to start vs England despite the fact that he is going to Wales . If not then Rassie will make a mistake in thinking Mostert is a better player.

Edit: I see it's RG

 

[TRF_heineken]

Who is Rudolph Snyman? Never heard of him. Pretty sure he doesn't play for one of the Super rugby franchises.
Also think that Pieter Steph should be likely to start vs England despite the fact that he is going to Wales . If not then Rassie will make a mistake in thinking Mostert is a better player.

Edit: I see it's RG

Maybe Rassie will start Jenkins and Rudolph and PSDT on the Bench with Sous not being selected?? Who knows what is Rassie's plan. Sous has been mostly used as a flanker this season by the Lions... Maybe Oupa might be a lock for this series or Orie??

 

[unrated]

Yea we will only start to see Rassie's plan by the England game but i'm already getting a slight idea based on the two squad selections.

My predicted starting lineups for the two tests are:
(These aren't necessarily my choice but rather what i think Rassie and company will choose)

VS Wales
15. Gelant (Bulls)
14. Mapimpi (Sharks)
13. Kriel (Bulls)
12. Esterhuizen (Sharks)
11. Ismaiel (Bulls)
10.Jantjies (Lions)
9. Wright (Sharks)
or Ivan van Zyl depending on who impresses most in training
8. Dan du Preez (Sharks)
7. Mohoje (Cheetahs)
6. Kwagga (Lions)
5. PSDT (Captain) (Stormers)
4. Jenkins (Bulls)
3. Wilco Louw (Stormers)
2. Chiliboy Ralepelle (can see how he will be preferred over Akker for reasons...) (Sharks)
1. Ox Nche (Cheetahs)

Subs: Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Jason Jenkins (Bulls), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Marvin Orie (Lions),Akker van der Merwe (Sharks), Bosch (Sharks) , Van Zyl (Bulls)
Total caps for the squad to America: Approx 126


VS
England first test.

15. Le Roux ( He is in pole position as the only fullback not going to America) (Wasps)
14. Nkosi (Sharks)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Francois Steyn (ex Shark)
11. Dyanti (Lions)
10. Pollard (Bulls)
9. Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks- Ex Lion)
8. Duane Vermeulen (No club- ex Stormer)
7. Jean luc du Preez (Sharks)
6. Kolisi (Stormers)
5. PSDT (Stormers - ex Sharks)
4. Mostert (Lions)
3. Beast (Sharks)
2. Bismarck (Montpellier - ex Sharks)
1. Nyakane- (Bulls)

Bench: 16.
17. Akker (Sharks)
18. Wilco Louw (Stormers)
19. RG Snyman (Bulls)
20.de Allende (Stormers)
21. Robert du Preez (Sharks)
22. Dan du Preez (Sharks)
23.Gelant (Bulls)

I might have mixed up tighthead and loosehead props and the numbering for the subs.
Total Caps for the predicted first matchday squad in the home series vs England: 513


Representation of teams in the full 40 man squad
Bulls: 9
Cheetahs: 2
Lions: 5
Sharks: 13
Stormers: 9
Kings: 0
Sale: 1
Wasps: 1
Montpellier: 2
Toulon: 1 but Vermeulen not really there anymore

 

[TRF_heineken]

Yea we will only start to see Rassie's plan by the England game but i'm already getting a slight idea based on the two squad selections.

My predicted starting lineups for the two tests are:
(These aren't necessarily my choice but rather what i think Rassie and company will choose)

VS Wales
15. Gelant (Bulls)
14. Mapimpi (Sharks)
13. Kriel (Bulls)
12. Esterhuizen (Sharks)
11. Ismaiel (Bulls)
10.Jantjies (Lions)
9. Wright (Sharks)
or Ivan van Zyl depending on who impresses most in training
8. Dan du Preez (Sharks)
7. Mohoje (Cheetahs)
6. Kwagga (Lions)
5. PSDT (Captain) (Stormers)
4. Jenkins (Bulls)
3. Wilco Louw (Stormers)
2. Chiliboy Ralepelle (can see how he will be preferred over Akker for reasons...) (Sharks)
1. Ox Nche (Cheetahs)

Subs: Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Jason Jenkins (Bulls), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Marvin Orie (Lions),Akker van der Merwe (Sharks), Bosch (Sharks) , Van Zyl (Bulls)
Total caps for the squad to America: Approx 126


VS
England first test.

15. Le Roux ( He is in pole position as the only fullback not going to America) (Wasps)
14. Nkosi (Sharks)
13. Lukhanyo Am (Sharks)
12. Francois Steyn (ex Shark)
11. Dyanti (Lions)
10. Pollard (Bulls)
9. Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks- Ex Lion)
8. Duane Vermeulen (No club- ex Stormer)
7. Jean luc du Preez (Sharks)
6. Kolisi (Stormers)
5. PSDT (Stormers - ex Sharks)
4. Mostert (Lions)
3. Beast (Sharks)
2. Bismarck (Montpellier - ex Sharks)
1. Nyakane- (Bulls)

Bench: 16.
17. Akker (Sharks)
18. Wilco Louw (Stormers)
19. RG Snyman (Bulls)
20.de Allende (Stormers)
21. Robert du Preez (Sharks)
22. Dan du Preez (Sharks)
23.Gelant (Bulls)

I might have mixed up tighthead and loosehead props and the numbering for the subs.
Total Caps for the predicted first matchday squad in the home series vs England: 513


Representation of teams in the full 40 man squad
Bulls: 9
Cheetahs: 2
Lions: 5
Sharks: 13
Stormers: 9
Kings: 0
Sale: 1
Wasps: 1
Montpellier: 2
Toulon: 1 but Vermeulen not really there anymore

I think that's what most of us are thinking regarding the teams. And for the England match the question is if Frans Steyn or De Allende will start at 12, as every other position is cut and dry.

What is odd, is that Elton is the only fly half going to the USA, with Bosch as cover. While Pollard and Du Preez are left behind in SA. So does that mean that Robert will be Pollard's back-up and Elton is the 3rd choice for Rassie?

 

[mdaclarke]

I'm surprised Kriel isn't being save for England. He has been immense this year. After Wales there will be a lot of new players tied to the Boks meaning the English, Scots or Irish thieves can't pinch them!

 

[TRF_heineken]

I'm surprised Kriel isn't being save for England. He has been immense this year. After Wales there will be a lot of new players tied to the Boks meaning the English, Scots or Irish thieves can't pinch them!

Yeah, me too. and he's played the most minutes of any player for the Bulls this season. Perhaps there is a plan to start him the 2nd and 3rd test, and have Am make his debut in the first test...