Four newcomers in Springboks Tri-Nations squad

CAPE TOWN - Four newcomers were named in a 28-man squad for South Africa's away leg in the Tri-Nations beginning next month.

Under-21 captain and Bulls hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle, Bulls wing Akona Ndungane, Sharks and under-21 utility back JP Pietersen and Bulls and under-21 flanker Pierre Spies were included for the first time.

Sharks hooker John Smit will captain the squad while London Irish hooker Danie Coetzee has earned a recall to the Tri-Nations squad for the first time since 2003.

The Springboks meet Australia in Brisbane on July 15, New Zealand in Wellington on July 22 and Australia in Sydney on August 5.

First five-eighths Andre Pretorius was selected following a long injury lay-off while wing Bryan Habana has been chosen despite a rib injury. Both players' fitness will be assessed at a pre-tour training camp.

Cheetahs first five-eighths Meyer Bosman is on standby in case Pretorius fails a fitness test.

"The new guys will all get some game time but we will manage the youngsters very carefully," convenor of selectors Pieter Jooste told Reuters.

"We thought it was the right time to include some new players and the three did very well at the recent under-21 world championship while Akona Ndungane has performed at a consistently high level in the Super 14 for the past two seasons.

"Akona can cover if Bryan Habana isn't fit to travel while Meyer Bosman is on standby for Andre Pretorius."

Jooste said coach Jake White would be travelling with the team despite rumours linking him to a top job with England's Rugby Football Union.

"Jake White is the Bok coach, nothing has changed and he will travel and coach the team," Jooste said.

SQUAD

Forwards: John Smit (captain), Eddie Andrews, Bakkies Botha, Danie Coetzee, Jacques Cronje, Os du Randt, Victor Matfield, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Lawrence Sephaka, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Solly Tyibilika, Albert van den Berg, CJ van der Linde, Joe van Niekerk.

Backs: Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Ricky Januarie, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Breyton Paulse, JP Pietersen, Andre Pretorius, Brent Russell, Jaco van der Westhuyzen.

- REUTERS