South Africa recall 2007 World Cup winners to Tri Nations squad

[travelling_gerry]

South Africa recall 2007 World Cup winners to Tri Nations squad

From David Legge in Johannesburg, South Africa
August 09, 2010 South Africa have recalled World Cup winners Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen and Juan Smith for the home leg of their Tri Nations campaign.
Out-of-favour fullback Steyn, injured right winger Pietersen and flanker Smith were named in a 29-man Springboks squad for Tests against New Zealand and Australia.

Runaway leaders New Zealand face the defending champions on August 21 at Soccer City, the 90,000 stadium on the edge of Soweto where Spain defeated Netherlands to lift the World Cup.
And second-placed Australia will get to grips with the struggling Springboks the following two weekends, first at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and then Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

After a disastrous away leg to the annual championship in which they lost twice to the All Blacks and once to the Wallabies and failed to secure even one bonus point, South Africa rugby union critics hoped for a bold approach.

But coach Peter de Villiers was clearly not in a revolutionary mood as he fights to retain a job that will be on the line should the 2007 world champions suffer three consecutive home losses.

While De Villiers has received a public vote of confidence one year before New Zealand host the next World Cup, many officials are privately fuming over the failure of the green-and-gold juggernaut to move beyond first gear.

Among those touted for a call-up was Sharks teenage sensation Patrick Lambie, who switched from fullback for a Currie Cup debut at fly half that yielded 28 points against Golden Lions.

Recalling Steyn offers ammunition to the anti-De Villiers media lobby as the coach felt the fullback from Paris-based Racing Metro was not sharp when he faced Wales in mid-year just after the European season.

Now deep into his rest period, Steyn is likely to be less fit than when he played in Cardiff although the exciting youngster who kicks the ball amazing distances is considered by most as a World Cup 'must'.

Pietersen is unlikely to make a major difference if chosen against the All Blacks, who have also defeated Australia home and away and need one point to seal another Tri-Nations title.

But world-class loose forward Smith has been sorely missed, as has still injured 'fetcher' Heinrich Brussow, and should bolster a team led by hooker John Smit, who will reach the 100-cap mark against New Zealand.

Although included in a squad that will be trimmed to 24 on August 13 after a four-day Johannesburg training camp, centre Jaque Fourie cannot face the All Blacks because of a suspension.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...016959,00.html

[Burgs]

No prizes for guessing the game plan if Steyn is selected at altitude.

[Hoolly Doolly]

1 Tendai Mtawarira
2 John Smit (capt),
3 Jannie du Plessis
4 danie russouw
5 Victor matfield
6 Juan Smith
7 francois lowe
8 Shalk Burger
9 Ruan Pienaar
10 Morne Steyn
11 Bryan Habana
12 Juan de Jongh
13 Jean de Villiers
14 JP Pietersen
15 Francois Steyn

16 Chiliboy Ralepelle
17 BJ Botha
18 Flip van der Merwe
19 Dewald Potgieter
20 Ricky Januarie
21 Zane Kirchner
22 Gio Aplon

yep no specialist 8......not for the AB's anyway.
Poor boks are going thru a bit of an injury crisis of their own.
I hope they smash the kiwis.

[AndyS]

It will be interesting to see if the Boks try a bit of turnabout, having perhaps picked up a tip from last weekend - trust that no ref will give a card for a cynical foul at the attacking end of the field and, if they turn over the ball in attack, concede the penalty and some territory to allow their aging fatties time to get back on defense rather than allow broken field counterattack.

[Burgs]

SA 5 PG's to whatever NZ score.
Furthest attempt will be from 75m...

[Hoolly Doolly]

Will be good to see NZ lose............funny i was saying the same thing about the saffas a few months or so ago as well.....HERES TO A DRAW AND THEY SMACK THE CRAP OUT OF EACH OTHER!!