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Springbok prodigal sons make comeback

Interview with Peter de Villiers SARU headcoach in Paarl,Cape Town.30/04/2008 PICTURE ESA ALEXANDER------scan 30 cm
Interview with Peter de Villiers SARU headcoach in Paarl,Cape Town.30/04/2008 PICTURE ESA ALEXANDER------scan 30 cm

THE Springbok selectors have opted for an exciting blend of experience and youth when naming their squad to take on Wales at the Millinium Stadium in Cardiff on June 5.

THE Springbok selectors have opted for an exciting blend of experience and youth when naming their squad to take on Wales at the Millinium Stadium in Cardiff on June 5.

After the announcement of the touring squad of 22 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday by South African Rugby Union president Oregon Hoskins, Bok coach Peter de Villiers expressed his satisfaction with the chosen side.

"We have had a few challenges with two of our sides in the Super 14 playoffs but we have still been able to assemble a very talented squad," said de Villiers.

Bulls and Stormers players Gio Aplon, Francois Louw, Dewald Potgieter, Andries Bekker and Juan de Jongh were rewarded for their consistent play in the Super 14.

But the surprise was the recall of overseas-based players Butch James, Joe van Niekerk and Frans Steyn.

This about-turn from a year ago when they wouldn't be considered for selection is a clear indication that the rugby union wants to nurse a number of players through to the World Cup next year in New Zealand.

One player making the bench for the team is Chiliboy Ralepelle.

Touring squad: Francois Steyn, Gio Aplon, Jean de Villiers, Butch James, Odwa Ndungane, Ruan Pienaar, Ricky Januarie, Joe van Niekerk, Dewald Potgieter, Francois Louw, Andries Bekker, Danie Rosouw, Brendon (BJ) Botha, John Smit, Christo (CJ) van der Linde, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Alistair Hargreaves, Ryan Kankowski, Meyer Bosman, Juan de Jongh, Bjorn Basson.

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