South Africa announce squad for Lions series
Peter de Villiers happy with his squad
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Monday, 01, Jun 2009 09:58
South Africa have included uncapped duo Earl Rose and Morne Steyn in a 28-man squad for the Test series against the British and Irish Lions.
Fly-half Styen is rewarded for an outstanding season with the Bulls and helping them to a crushing 61-17 win over the Chiefs in the Super 14 Grand Final. Rose, who toured Europe with the Springboks at the end of last year, has been brought in to provide cover at full-back.
With the retirement of Percy Montgomery, South Africa have yet to find a permanent full-back and it is likely that JP Pietersen, Jacque Fourie or Francois Steyn will play against the Lions.
World Cup winning captain John Smit will once again lead the side, while there are recalls for Sharks prop Deon Carstens and Bulls centre Wynand Olivier, both of whom last played for South Africa in 2007.
"I'm really excited with the opportunity that lies ahead for these players," said South Africa coach Peter de Villiers said. "It was very difficult and tough to leave some players out of this squad.
"I know of more than 12 players that easily could have been in this side. But I do feel that this is the best group we could have put together."
South Africa squad to play the Lions:
Backs: J de Villiers (Stormers), F du Preez (Bulls), J Fourie (Lions), B Habana (Bulls), A Jacobs (Sharks), E Januarie (Stormers), O Ndungane (Sharks), J Nokwe (Cheetahs), W Olivier (Bulls), R Pienaar (Sharks), JP Pietersen (Sharks), E Rose (Lions), F Steyn (Sharks), M Steyn (Bulls).
Forwards: J Smit (Sharks), V Matfield (Bulls), A Bekker (Stormers), B Botha (Bulls), S Burger (Stormers), D Carstens (Sharks), B du Plessis (Sharks), R Kankowski (Sharks), T Mtawarira (Sharks), C Ralepelle (Bulls), D Rossouw (Bulls), J Smith (Cheetahs), P Spies (Bulls), G Steenkamp (Bulls).