De Villiers appointed Bok skipper

SPRINGBOK coach Heyneke Meyer ended months of speculation by appointing experienced centre Jean de Villiers as the man to lead the team in the three test series against England.

Speculation had been rife that Fourie du Preez would take over the captaincy after Meyer's failed attempt to lure the retired Victor Matfield back, but the scrumhalf declined at the last minute.

Overwhelming player support and his experience made De Villiers the choice from the current crop which included Bulls skipper Pierre Spies.

"I have a lot of belief and faith in Jean, he's always impressed me," Meyer said. "I took a lot of time because I wanted to make sure that it is the right decision."

As yet there is no official vice-captain and Meyer said that a few players would be tested in the supporting role during the England series.

Meyer steered clear of the John Smit and Bismarck du Plessis headache that plagued his predecessor Peter de Villiers's tenure by stating that the captaincy didn't guarantee De Villiers a starting berth.

"I also want to send a clear message that not even the captain is sure of his position, Jean knows that he has to perform," he said.

"I have a lot of confidence in him, he's really impressed me in the way he has led his team, especially [considering that] it is a young team. The Stormers have done really well under his leadership."

The captain said the players had quickly moved on from last weekend's tough local derbies and were united because there was only one week to rally the troops. "First of all we must focus on what we want to do on Saturday."