Saracens v Munster semi-final: These are the South Africans in action
Saracens
Mike Rhodes
Flanker Rhodes, is in his fourth season at the club. He is a two-time Champions Cup champion having started for Saracens in their final wins over Racing and Clermont in 2016 and 2017 respectively. He joined Sarries for the 2015-16 season and quickly became a fan favourite and the first choice six.
South African teams represented: Sharks, Lions and the Stormers (2010 – 2015).
Vincent Koch
Koch joined Saracens in 2016 and has previously remarked that he had doubts about ever playing Test rugby after the move. He first featured for the Boks in 2013 when he was included in a South Africa President’s XV team that played in the 2013 IRB Tbilisi Cup. Powerful scrummaging and great mobility around the park are two of the hallmarks of his game.
South African teams represented: Bulls, Pumas and the Stormers (2012-2016) and the Springboks.
Schalk Burger
Springbok veteran Schalk Burger is playing in his last season for the Premiership side. No doubt the ace would want to return to South African on a high note. He doesn’t need much introduction.
South African teams represented: Stormers and the Springboks.
Munster
The two-time winners Munster certainly don’t have a scarcity of South African staff. The most prominent figure is head coach Johann Van Graan, who joined Munster in 2017 following now Bok-coach Rassie Erasmus’ departure from the team.
CJ Stander
Also known as Christiaan Stander. Born in South Africa, the Ireland international produces a noteworthy performance whenever he takes the field. The loose forwards might have had a below-par Six Nations campaign. However, his domestic form has been much better and he’ll be a central figure in this clash.
South African teams represented: Blue Bulls (2010-2012) and South Africa at U18 and U20 level.
Jean Kleyn
Kleyn negotiated an early release from his contract with Western Province in July 2016 and left South Africa to join Munster ahead of the 2016-17 season. In 2018, he signed a three-year contract extension.
South African teams represented: Stormers
Arno Botha
South African teams represented: Blue Bulls (2011-2016) and South Africa. He captained the South Africa Under-20 team that competed in the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship in Italy and was also named South Africa Under 20 player of the year. He has also played two Tests.
