Springbok squad to face Japan announced
Heyneke Meyer went for a mix of youth and experience when he picked his team that will battle against Japan this weekend.
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has named his squad that will face Japan in their Rugby World Cup opener against Japan in Brighton, England. Jean de Villiers has been named captain of the team while Victor Matfield was selected as his second in command.
Team:
15. Zane Kirchner (30 caps)
14. Lwazi Mvovo (13 caps)
13. Jesse Kriel (4 caps)
12. Jean de Villiers (captain) (107 caps)
11. Bryan Habana (110 caps)
10. Pat Lambie (44 caps)
9. Ruan Pienaar, Ulster (84 caps)
8. Schalk Burger, DHL Stormers (79 caps)
7. Willem Alberts, Cell C Sharks (33 caps)
6. Francois Louw (36 caps)
5. Victor Matfield (vice-captain) (123 caps)
4. Lood de Jager (12 caps)
3. Jannie du Plessis (64 caps)
2. Bismarck du Plessis (73 caps)
1. Tendai Mtawarira (68 caps)
Replacements:
16. Adriaan Strauss (48 caps; 25 points)
17. Trevor Nyakane, Vodacom Bulls (16 caps)
18. Coenie Oosthuizen (21 caps)
19. Pieter-Steph du Toit (4 caps
20. Siya Kolisi (11 caps)
21. Fourie du Preez (70 caps)
22. Handré Pollard (13 caps)
23. JP Pietersen (60 caps)
