Warren Whiteley will captain a 31-man Springbok squad that includes eight uncapped players for the three-Test series against France in June.
Whiteley becomes the 58th Bok captain and will get his first opportunity to lead the team when the squad gets together at a training camp in Plettenberg Bay next week.
The national selectors also recalled six experienced players to the squad. They are World Cup winner Frans Steyn, Jan Serfontein, Francois Hougaard, Duane Vermeulen, Coenie Oosthuizen and Chiliboy Ralepelle. They have more than 200 Test caps of experience between them.
Of the eight uncapped players in the squad, six are backs and two forwards. They are Lukhanyo Am, Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronjé, Dillyn Leyds, Raymond Rhule, Courtnall Skosan, Ruan Dreyer and Lizo Gqoboka. Four of these – Rhule, Cronjé, Dreyer and Gqoboka – have previously toured with the Boks, but are yet to play in a Test for South Africa.
Flyhalf Pat Lambie is still symptomatic following his concussion. After discussions with the player and the medical teams of both the Springboks and the Sharks, it was decided not to consider him for selection for the Bok squad.
‘Warren has been one of the outstanding leaders in South African rugby for many years,’ said coach Allister Coetzee. ‘He is respected by his teammates and opposition alike and has a lot of experience when it comes to captaincy, having led the Lions with great authority for many seasons. He is resilient, copes well under pressure and makes good decisions.
‘The national selectors have rewarded form and we are looking forward to face the French team next month. I am confident the players will do the jersey and our country proud.’
Springbok squad:
Forwards – Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ruan Dreyer, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Jaco Kriel, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Oupa Mohoje, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Lizo Gqoboka, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley (c).
Backs – Lukhanyo Am, Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronjé, Damian de Allende, Francois Hougaard, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Dillyn Leyds, Rudy Paige, Raymond Rhule, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan, Frans Steyn
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
