Handré Pollard, Ross Cronjé and Dillyn Leyds have been included in the Springbok touring squad for the Australasian leg of the Rugby Championship.
Pollard has completed his injury rehabilitation and replaces Curwin Bosch in the squad, while Cronjé, who missed the trip to Salta due to an ankle injury sustained in the first Test against Argentina, is fit again and regains his place in the touring party ahead of Jano Vermaak.
Leyds, who can cover wing and fullback, has been drafted back into the squad ahead of Cheetahs centre Francois Venter.
Bosch, Venter and Vermaak have all been released back to their provinces for Currie Cup duty.
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‘Handré was really impressive during the two weeks he spent with us in Port Elizabeth. Even though he was fit and available for the away match against Argentina in Salta, we made a decision that another week of conditioning will be beneficial for him,’ said coach Allister Coetzee.
‘He will be utilised in a versatile role, covering centre too. He is the kind of player that really thrives in the Springbok environment and is very coachable. It must be said that he also made a huge improvement in terms of his skill levels and the understanding of this team’s technical plan.
‘Curwin has grown a lot during his time with us, and all our coaches are pleased with his current development. He knows what is expected of him in this environment, and like I said before, it is my responsibility to manage him properly at international level.
‘We would like to see him carry the confidence he has gained during his time with Springboks into the Currie Cup.’
The Boks play against the Wallabies in Perth next Saturday and the All Blacks in Albany the week after.
Springbok squad – Uzair Cassiem, Lood de Jager, Ruan Dreyer, Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth , Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Jaco Kriel, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronje, Damian de Allende, Francois Hougaard, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Dillyn Leyds, Rudy Paige, Handre Pollard, Raymond Rhule, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan.
Photo: Paul Cunningham/Getty Images
