Eurosport - Tue, 02 Jun 10:42:00 2009
Fly-half Morne Steyn celebrated his dominant display in the Bulls' Super 14 triumph with a first call up to the South Africa squad for three tests against the British and Irish Lions.
Steyn (pictured) played a key role in the Bulls' record-breaking victory in the Super 14 final against the Waikato Chiefs on Saturday, contributing 19 points and finishing as the tournament's leading scorer.
"Morne Steyn earned his spot by performing week in, week out, he had an outstanding Super 14," coach Peter de Villiers said.
"If we can maintain the form shown by the Blue Bulls, even 20 percent less, then we will be unbeatable."
Utility back Earl Rose, who toured Britain last year without making his test debut, was the only other uncapped player in the 28-man squad.
Following Percy Montgomery's retirement and the broken leg suffered by Conrad Jantjes, the squad does not include a specialist full-back.
De Villiers said he had various options for the number 15 jersey, naming Rose, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn, Jaque Fourie, Morne Steyn and Ruan Pienaar as contenders.
"Kicking is only one part of the game, there are a few others too. We have good ball-carriers, passers and runners. It's all there for us to play the kind of total rugby we are aiming for," De Villiers said.
De Villiers recalled centre Wynand Olivier and prop Deon Carstens.
Sharks backs Pienaar and Francois Steyn are recovering from injuries but should be fit for the first test in Durban on June 20.
"I never do things if I am not convinced, I don't take chances. I know how important this series is to all South Africans," De Villiers said.
The squad includes 10 members of the all-conquering Bulls team and 12 survivors from the starting XV that won the World Cup in 2007.
"It's amazing to think how blessed we are with talent. It's a huge privilege to be involved in such a massive occasion as a Lions tour. South Africans get the chance only once in every 12 years, so it's a very serious responsibility for us," captain John Smit said.
South Africa squad
Backs: Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Adrian Jacobs, Ricky Januarie, Odwa Ndungane, Jongi Nokwe, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Earl Rose, Frans Steyn, Morné Steyn.
Forwards: John Smit (capt), Victor Matfield, Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Deon Carstens, Bismarck du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Tendai Mtawarira, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Comment 1 - 6 of 6
I would be surprised if the Sharks don't beat the British and Irish lions let alone the Springboks. The Lions beat the Cheetahs by 2 points for God Sake and they came last in the Super 14.
we have our work cut out for us but I think the lions are as good in a lot of positions so i think it'll come down to the last test and may the best team win
Good luck Lions supporters. I think you need every drop of it. The way the Blue Bulls players played in the Super 14 final was so over powering and truly awesome, I cant imagine how good they will be in the Springbok side. Don't forget players like Matfield, Kankowski, and Habana. Every player in this team is so skilled at his position and has enough patriotism to full the stadiums they play in.
Not so worried about the opening game against the Royal XV actually better to have had to show some character and composure coming back to win the game. BUT the Springboks squad is an awesome group of rugby players. I'm glad McGeegan is in charge as it will take a very special group of players to beat this sprinboks squad over 3 tests. Bryne looked good, Flutey when he came on showed some nice touches.
im with u my friend its monster team selection !!! the lions must me craping themself !! oh dear
oh dear. we are in trouble
Pierre Spies = monster
Schalk Burger = monster
Wynand Olivier = one of the best centres of the season
Jacque Fourie = one of the best centres in the world
was hopin peter de villiers would screw this one up, but hes picked one hell of a good squad
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