Test debut for Varsity Cup Bok
Uncapped centre Juan de Jongh has been named in the Springbok team to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday – replacing Bath back Butch James, who has been withdrawn because of contractual issues.
The Varsity Cup product – who played for the Maties in the 2008 Varsity Cup Final – was named in the No.12 jersey when Springbok coach Peter de Villiers confirmed the team at a press conference in Cardiff on Thursday afternoon.
Having played some midweek matches for the Boks at the end of last year, the 21-year-old will now make his Test debut for South Africa – the first Varsity Cup player to do so.
“This is almost unbelievable, but it’s an exciting moment for me too,” said De Jongh ahead of Saturday’s encounter at the Millennium Stadium.
“I feel for Butch, but I must now focus on what the team needs from me on Saturday. It’s good to be playing with experienced players like Ruan and Jaque… (and) my experience playing with Jaque in the Super 14 will also be a great help.”
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers admitted to being disappointed at the late change, but added that it provided a great opportunity for the young centre to prove himself.
Said De Villiers: “This is a great opportunity for Juan, who has had a fantastic Super 14 season. He is a talented player who has held his own in a very tough environment and I have faith in his abilities to make the step up.”
De Jongh is one of three uncapped players from the Stormers side that went down to the Bulls in last weekend’s Super 14 Final in Soweto in an otherwise experienced Bok line-up. The other newcomers are winger Gio Aplon and flanker Francois Louw – both of whom are Stormers and Maties players.
Veteran lock Victor Matfield replaces Andries Bekker in the one other change to the starting line-up named on Saturday, May 22. Matfield’s Bulls teammate Zane Kirchner moves on to the bench as De Jongh’s replacement.
James was withdrawn as the Test falls outside the IRB’s designated June ‘Global Release’ window – during which time clubs must release players to their national teams.
SARU hoped to secure the player’s release on Wednesday by virtue of clauses in his contract that allow player release for teams such as the British & Irish Lions and Barbarians. SARU hoped that as no player welfare issue was at stake, James could be similarly released.
However, Premier Rugby rules prevent the release of players to national unions – except for the final three Saturdays in June.
“SARU, Bath and Butch were all keen to see Butch play but the rule has been strictly enforced,” said SARU President Oregan Hoskins.
“What’s particularly frustrating is that Schalk Brits has just played 33 matches for Saracens and can be released to play for the Barbarians against Ireland this weekend, whereas Butch has played barely a dozen matches this season and he can’t play against Wales.”
Springbok team (v Wales):
15 Frans Steyn (Racing Metro) – 36 caps
14 Gio Aplon (Stormers) – uncapped
13 Jaque Fourie (Stormers) – 54 caps
12 Juan de Jongh (Stormers) – uncapped
11 Odwa Ndungane (Sharks) – six caps
10 Ruan Pienaar (Sharks) – 36 caps
9 Ricky Januarie (Stormers) – 40 caps
8 Joe van Niekerk (Toulon) – 51 caps
7 Dewald Potgieter (Bulls) – one cap
6 Francois Louw (Stormers) – uncapped
5 Victor Matfield (Bulls) – 92 caps
4 Danie Rossouw (Bulls) – 46 caps
3 BJ Botha (Ulster) – 19 caps
2 John Smit (Sharks, captain) – 93 caps
1 CJ van der Linde (Leinster) – 58 caps
Replacements:
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle (Bulls) – eight caps
17 Jannie du Plessis (Sharks) – 12 caps
18 Alistair Hargreaves (Sharks) – uncapped
19 Ryan Kankowski (Sharks) – 11 caps
20 Meyer Bosman (Cheetahs) – three caps
21 Zane Kirchner (Bulls) – four caps
22 Bjorn Basson (Cheetahs) – uncapped
