White sticks with tried and tested Springboks squad

CAPE TOWN - South Africa coach Jake White named a near full-strength squad for next month's three tests against Argentina, Wales and France.

White opted against resting his top players at the end of a long season, sticking to the same group who lost only two out of eight matches against France, Australia and New Zealand earlier this year.

It meant he broke with established practice by naming a squad without any uncapped players, although he did recall fullback Conrad Jantjes after a four-year absence and halfback Bolla Conradie who has not featured this season.

The squad includes International Rugby Board player of the year nominees, wing Bryan Habana and lock Victor Matfield, as well as last year's award recipient Schalk Burger.

Out through injury are first five-eighths Jaco van der Westhuyzen, centre Marius Joubert, halfback Enrico Januarie and loose forward Joe van Niekerk.

The 28-man squad is captained by hooker John Smit.

The Springboks play Argentina in Buenos Aires (November 5), Wales in Cardiff (November 19) and France in Paris (November 26).

Squad:

Backs - Percy Montgomery, Conrad Jantjes, Bryan Habana, Tonderai Chavhanga, Wayne Julies, Jaque Fourie, De Wet Barry, Jean de Villiers, Andre Pretorius, Fourie du Preez, Michael Claassens, Bolla Conradie.

Forwards - Jacques Cronje, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Solly Tyibilika, Pedrie Wannenburg, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Albert van den Berg, Danie Rossouw, CJ van der Linde, Lawrence Sephaka, Os du Randt, Eddie Andrews, Hanyani Shimange, Gary Botha, John Smit (captain).

- REUTERS