South Africa ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick has named 14 capped Springbok players in his match-day squad to face Munster at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork on Thursday.
The Springbok assistant coach named two players that were part of the Springbok squad who trained in Dublin last week for their opening Castle Lager Outgoing Tour Test against Ireland, including prop Thomas du Toit and lock Jason Jenkins.
Meanwhile, the Du Preez twins – Dan (loose forward) and Jean-Luc (utility forward) – were called up to the squad on Sunday.
Aphelele Fassi (fullback), Cornal Hendriks (centre), Johan Goosen (flyhalf), and Herschel Jantjies (scrumhalf) are the capped Boks in the backline, while Jean-Luc du Preez (No 8), Elrigh Louw (flank), Ruan Nortje, Jason Jenkins (both locks), and the entire front row of Du Toit, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both props
Du Toit will lead the team, with Hendricks as his deputy.
Dan du Preez, Sikhumbuzo Notshe (loose forward), and Grant Williams are the other three Springboks on the replacements bench (scrumhalf).
Former Junior Springbok captain and up-and-coming Cell C Sharks loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi will start in a strong loose trio with Louw and Jean-Luc du Preez, while exciting DHL Stormers wings Leolin Zas and Suleiman Hartzenberg will bolster the backline with Fassi.
Stick’s bench also includes promising young forwards Andre-Hugo Venter (hooker), Simphiwe Matanzima and Sazi Sandi (both props), as well as former Junior Springboks Sanele Nohamba and Gianni Lombard (both utility backs).
“We are pleased with the quality of the squad we selected, and we are confident that with this thrilling blend of experienced and young players have what it takes to perform against Munster,” said Stick.
“One of the main reasons for selecting SA ‘A’ and Springbok teams for the year-end tour was to cast our net as wide as possible to test our player depth less than a year out from the Rugby World Cup, while also giving as many players as possible top-class game time.
“Most of these players have either been in the Springbok squad in the last two seasons, or they have been on our radar, so this is an ideal opportunity to see them in action against what will be a physical and challenging encounter.”
Of the challenge posed by Munster, Stick said: “They are one of the top club teams and they balance their physicality with exciting backline play, so we are going to be tested thoroughly.
“That said, we have named an equally exciting team and we have a number of leaders in core positions. Every one of our players will also want to make the most of this opportunity to throw their names in the hat for World Cup selection, which will serve as an extra motivational factor to showcase their talent.”
South Africa ‘A’ team to face Munster:
Aphelele Fassi (Cell C Sharks), Suleiman Hartzenberg (DHL Stormers), Henco van Wyk (Emirates Lions), Cornal Hendricks (vice-captain, Vodacom Bulls), Leolin Zas (DHL Stormers), Johan Goosen (Vodacom Bulls), Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Phepsi Buthelezi (Cell C Sharks),
Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Jason Jenkins (Leinster), Thomas du Toit (captain, Cell C Sharks), Joseph Dweba (DHL Stormers), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Cell C Sharks).
Replacements:
Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Simphiwe Matanzima (Vodacom Bulls), Sazi Sandi (DHL Stormers), Dan du Preez (Sale Sharks), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Cell C Sharks), Grant Williams (Cell C Sharks), Sanele Nohamba (Emirates Lions), Gianni Lombard (Emirates Lions).
Photo by Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
