SA Rugby Union has today announced the names of 30 players flying to France for the Rugby World Cup tournament in September and October.
The Springboks leave on September 3, with their first encounter on September 9 in Paris, against Samoa. Other countries in the same group as South Africa are England, United States and Tonga.
Coach Jake White said he was comfortable that the selection panel had picked the best players available to represent the nation in the biggest rugby event in the world. "It's an exciting mix of players many of whom have been together since I started my career as head coach of the Springboks," said White. "I have great confidence in these players. They will carry the flag for the nation during the tournament with pride."
Congratulating the players, SARU President Oregan Hoskins encouraged the squad to do their best in France. "Once the tournament starts, the whole nation will be looking up to these fine young South Africans to reflect a proud history of rugby excellence that has come to be associated with the Springboks. The players leave our shores with our blessings and good wishes.
"It's a proud moment, not only for the players and their families, but also for all our supporters, in South Africa and abroad."
The full squad (number of caps in brackets)is:
Bakkies Botha (35)
BJ Botha (10)
Gary Botha (9)
Schalk Burger (31)
Jean De Villiers (31)
Fourie Du Preez (30)
Os Du Randt (72)
Jaque Fourie (29)
Bryan Habana (27)
Butch James (18)
Ricky Januarie (18)
Victor Matfield (58)
Percy Montgomery (85)
Johann Muller (16)
Akona Ndungane (8)
Wynand Olivier (17)
Ruan Pienaar (12)
JP Pietersen (6)
Andre Pretorius (24)
Danie Rossouw (24)
Bob Skinstad (38)
Pierre Spies (9)
John Smit (Captain) (67)
Juan Smith (32)
Gurthro Steenkamp (11)
Francois Steyn (8)
Albert Van Den Berg (46)
Wikus Van Heerden (7)
CJ Van Der Linde (39)
Ashwin Willemse (16)