Tri-Nations - Van Niekerk back for Springboks

Eurosport - Fri, 04 Jul 08:41:00 2008

Joe van Niekerk has been named in South Afica's starting XV for the first time since 2007 for the Tri-Nations opener against New Zealand.

RUGBY South Africa Joe van Niekerk - 0

Number eight Niekerk replaced Ryan Kankowski in one of seven changes to the side that beat Italy 26-0.

Coach Peter de Villiers recalled World Cup winning captain John Smit after he missed last month's warmup tests against Wales and Italy because of French club commitments.

He also included six of the eight forwards that played in last year's World Cup final win over England as well as three backs.

However, two of South Africa's World Cup winners, fullback Percy Montgomery and utility back Francois Steyn, who were both relegated to the reserves bench.

South Africa: 15-Conrad Jantjes, 14-Odwa Ndungane, 13-Adrian Jacobs, 12-Jean de Villiers, 11-Bryan Habana, 10-Butch James, 9-Ricky Januarie, 8-Joe van Niekerk, 7-Juan Smith, 6-Schalk Burger, 5-Victor Matfield, 4-Bakkies Botha, 3-CJ van der Linde, 2-John Smit (captain), 1-Gurthro Steenkamp.

Replacements: 16-Bismarck du Plessis, 17-Brian Mujati, 18-Andries Bekker, 19-Luke Watson, 20-Bolla Conradie, 21-Francois Steyn, 22-Percy Montgomery.

Reuters

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  1. After three undemanding games here comes Peter de Villiers first real test, and it's difficult to argue with his team selection. Come on the Bokke!

    From duncanloynes, on Fri 4 Jul 4:31AM
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