Whiteley Named South African Captain

Warren Whiteley has been named as the new South African captain. The No 8 will lead his country against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand in this years Rugby Championship. Before then he will captain the Springboks in their home three-match June Internationals series against France.

In being named captain, the Lions Super Rugby player becomes the 58th Springboks skipper. He replaces Adriaan Strauss who returned from international rugby in 2016.

The 31-man roster includes six recalled players – Francois Hougaard, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jan Serfontein, Frans Steyn and Duane Vermeulen.

There is also room for un capped players. Facing the prospect of a test debut are eight players – Lukhanyo Am, Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronje, Dillyn Leyds, Raymond Rhule, Courtnall Skosan, Ruan Dreyer and Lizo Gqoboka.

Not considered due to injury are a host of players. They are Marcell Coetzee, Kurt Colemanm Jean-Luc du Plessis, Robert du Preez, Pat Lambie, Nico Lee, Francois Louw, Howard Mnisi, Handre Pollard, Julian Redelinghuys, JC van Rensburg, Roelof Smit, Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Leolin Zas.

Curwin Bosch will miss out to instead play in the Junior World Championship. Both Andre Esterhuizen are RG Snyman are serving suspensions.

SOUTH AFRICA ROSTER
Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ruan Dreyer, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Jaco Kriel, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Oupa Mohoje, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Lizo Gqoboka, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronje, Damian de Allende, Francois Hougaard, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Dillyn Leyds, Rudy Paige, Raymond Rhule, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan, Frans Steyn