Springbok team named to face Italy

Heyneke Meyer has announced the Springbok team that will face Italy on Saturday, 8 June 2013, at Kings Park, Durban.

The team includes 5 uncapped players, two of which will feature in the starting line-up.

Willie le Roux will take to the field in the number 15 jersey, while Jano Vermaak will gain his debut at scrumhalf.

Trevor Nyakane (prop), Arno Botha (loose forward) and Jan Serfontein (centre) are all on the bench, and will potentially gain their first caps at some point throughout the game.

JJ Engelbrecht will team up with Jean de Villiers at centre, with the captain being deemed fit to play following an injury.

“This was not an easy team to select as I’ve been very impressed with the attitude shown by the players in training this week,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

“I’m very happy that we’ve managed to retain the core of the team from last year for the sake of continuity, but it’s also great to see a bunch of new players emerge from Vodacom Super Rugby.

“Upfront we’ve managed to keep six of the eight who started against England and at the back there are a number of very exciting players who have earned their places in the team. I’m very excited to see what this new-look backline can do.”

The Springbok Test against Italy kicks off at 17h15, after the match between Scotland and Samoa, which starts at 14h15.

The Springbok team to face Italy in Durban (with caps) is:

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Bryan Habana, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Flip van der Merwe, 20 Arno Botha, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 Jan Serfontein.