JOHANNESBURG. – Springbok coach Jake White today named six black players in his starting line-up to face the Wallabies this coming Saturday in the return match of the Nelson Mandela Challenge at Ellis Park.
The Bok squad of 22 includes a landmark nine black players, the most such players picked by a senior national rugby coach.
“I said a while ago that we have a lot of talent in this country and all that is needed is for these players to be given an opportunity. I am proud of all the guys and people need to understand that we are building for the future,” White explained earlier today at a press conference in Sandton.
Eddie Andrews will pack in the front row next to skipper John Smit and Guthro Steenkamp after CJ van der Linde was withdrawn from the side on medical advice.
Van der Linde is suffering from severe headaches. “I am of the firm view that you don’t mess around with head injuries or related ailments,” said White.
The full Springbok team is as follows:
15. Percy Montgomery 65 caps
14. Breyton Paulse 51
13. Jaque Fourie 11
12. Jean de Villiers 12 (11 tries)
11. Bryan Habana 6 (9tries)
10. Andre Pretorius 12
9. Enrico Januarie 3
8. Joe van Niekerk 35
7. Juan Smith 13
6. Solly Tyibilika 3
5. Victor Matfield 37
4. Bakkies Botha 23
3. Eddie Andrews 12
2. John Smit (captain) 44
1. Gurthro Steenkamp 4
REPLACEMENTS
16. Hanyani Shimange 6
17. Lawrence Sephaka 18
18. Albert van den Berg 29
19. Schalk Burger 17
20. Fourie du Preez 17
21. Jaco van der Westhuyzen 26
22. Wayne Julies 6
John Smit = 18th consecutive test as Springbok captain
