The Sharks who face Bok recalls
SPOTLIGHT: Francois de Klerk and Lodewyk de Jager are the poster boys of Sale Sharks’ 11-strong South African contingent.
However, a handful of the others in the squad could be set for a Springbok recall for the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions.
The South African contingent include eight capped Boks – World Cup winners de Jager and De Klerk, Armand Van Der Merwe, Coenie Oosthuizen, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Robert du Preez and Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
The other South Africans are Jean-Pierre du Preez (no relation to the three Du Preez brothers), regular captain Jono Ross and Cobus Wiese.
As many as six of these are in contention to face the B&I Lions in July and August.
New Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson, speaking ahead of his team’s Round 19 Premiership encounter with Bath at The Rec on Friday, listed the players he feels are due for a Bok recall.
He said Prop Coenie Oosthuizen, along with twins Dan and Jean-Luc du Preez are in the Springboks’ plans.
The certainties are De Jager and De Klerk.
Hooker Van der Merwe could even face his Scottish-based brother Duhan, who has been named in the B&I Lions tour squad earlier this month.
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“I want [Sale’s players] to be the best they can be,” Sanders told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“If that’s playing for South Africa or for the Lions, then I support both of those things,” he added.
“They are talking to Coenie, Lood, Faf, JL and Dan du Preez, potentially Akker as well moving forward.
“I think they should, but that’s up to them.”
Meanwhile, Sanderson says the “brilliant” lock, De Jager, is on course to be fit for the series showdown in July and August after a serious knee injury to his meniscus.
“In that brief period before he got injured he was, without doubt, one of the best players I have ever coached,” Sanderson added.
“He is brilliant – on and off the field. I can’t speak highly enough of the man. He is a brilliant player.”
Source: BBC Radio 5 Live
