Morgan Newman's 'Bok' chance
FNB Maties’ Morgan Newman will start at outside centre for the South African XV against a Namibian Invitation XV in Friday’s one-off clash in Windhoek.
Newman – a true product of the Varsity Cup talent system – was one of three uncapped players named in Springbok coach Peter de Villiers’s experimental outfit, with fullback Earl Rose and flanker Jean Deysel the other non-Test players set to feature for the SA XV.
Twenty-two-year-old Newman played two matches for the Maties during the 2009 Varsity Cup, having, of course, come through the various representative levels whilst at school in Cape Town and also at some age-group levels for his province and country.
A capped Western Province player, Newman featured in three matches for the Stormers during this year’s Super 14, whilst he also represented the Emerging Springboks in 2007 and 2008.
“He’s (Newman) shown some great form throughout his career. Like Jano Vermaak, who has come through the Under-19 and Under-21 structures he’s good enough to play for this country,” explained Bok boss De Villiers.
“He’s learned a lot in the past week and with a bit of guidance I believe he could be a great player.”
Maties star Newman is a renowned inside centre, but he will start Friday’s match in the No.13 jersey, with Free State’s Meyer Bosman filling the No.12 spot and Newman’s Stormers teammate, Peter Grant, at flyhalf.
Of course, Newman will find himself up against his Stellenbosch club mate and fellow Varsity Cup rep, Lewellyn Winkler, who was last week named to start on the left-wing for the Namibian XV.
The South African XV: 15 Earl Rose, 14 Jongi Nokwe, 13 Morgan Newman, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Johann Muller, 3 John Smit (captain), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Wian du Preez, 18 Steven Sykes, 19 Juan Smith, 20 Schalk Burger, 21 Jano Vermaak, 22 Jean de Villiers, 23 Adi Jacobs, 24 JP Pietersen.
Date: Friday, May 29
Venue: Hage Geingob Stadium, Windhoek
Kick-off: 6pm
