The Springbok “A” team back?

After a very disappointing start to the Tri-nations springbok coach Peter de Villiers on Friday named a 24-man squad with a few players returning from injury rehabilitation for the home leg of the Castle Tri-Nations series.

Nine of the players who appeared in the away leg of the Series have been retained, led by captain John Smit.

The Big shock was Patrick Lambie snubbed for the Springboks home leg of the Tri-Nations after Peter de Villiers announced his 24-man squad. Everyone knows that the flyhalf did very little wrong playing in the away leg. He is a valuable player and could make a difference in the team. He is a versatile player, able to cover several positions in the backline, he should have been a shoe in and included in the starting line up.

Other shocking snubs were Lwazi Mvovo who in my opinion is the ultimate wing who needs all the experience he can get and will be do great if picked for the World Cup squad. Chiliboy Ralepelle who undoubtedly has great presence in the team.

Players not considered that featured in the Springboks' away leg of the Tri-Nations:

Adrian Jacobs - Sharks
Elton Jantjies - Lions
Charl McLeod - Sharks
Odwa Ndungane - Sharks
Wynand Olivier - Blue Bulls
Dean Greyling - Blue Bulls
Alistair Hargreaves - Sharks
Werner Kruger - Blue Bulls
Coenie Oosthuizen - Free State Cheetahs
Deon Stegmann - Blue Bulls
Adriaan Strauss - Free State Cheetahs
Flip van der Merwe - Blue Bulls

Springbok Squad for Tests versus Australia (August 13) and New Zealand (August 20)
BACKS

Gio Aplon - Western Province
Frans Steyn – Back from Racing Metro, France
JP Pietersen - The Sharks
Bryan Habana - Western Province
Jaque Fourie - Western Province
Juan de Jongh - Western Province
Jean de Villiers - Western Province
Morne Steyn - Blue Bulls
Butch James - Golden Lions
Ruan Pienaar - Ulster, N Ireland
Fourie du Preez - Blue Bulls
Francois Hougaard - Blue Bulls

FORWARDS

Pierre Spies - Blue Bulls
Jean Deysel - The Sharks
Danie Rossouw - Blue Bulls
Bakkies Botha - Blue Bulls
Victor Matfield - Blue Bulls
Gerhard Mostert – also back from Stade Francais, France
John Smit (captain) - The Sharks
Bismarck du Plessis - The Sharks
Tendai Mtawarira - The Sharks
Jannie du Plessis - The Sharks
Gurthrö Steenkamp - Blue Bulls
CJ van der Linde - Golden Lions

Late additions were Loose forwards Ashley Johnson and Ryan Kankowski were added to the Springbok squad on monday

Players not considered for selection due to injury were: Schalk Burger (hand), Juan Smith (Achilles), Andries Bekker (ankle), Willem Alberts (shoulder), Johann Muller (hamstring) and Duane Vermeulen (knee).

I understand that the more experienced players need the practice before the World Cup starts, I just hope this team does us proud