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Botha gets Springbok call after Du Preez injury

Sharks captain Ruan Botha

Ruan Botha has been added to South Africa’s touring squad after Jean-Luc du Preez sustained a fractured ankle.

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Sharks captain Botha will join the team in Johannesburg on Tuesday and could make his first appearances for the Springboks in Tests against Ireland, France, Italy and Wales.

A space in the side opened up after Du Preez withdrew due to an injury sustained in the Sharks’ Currie Cup final victory over Western Province in Durban on Saturday.

“Ruan has played consistently well this year and has been part of our training camps,” said South Africa coach Allister Coetzee in a statement.

“He has led the Sharks to the Currie Cup and the Super Rugby play-offs this season and is not only a consistently good performer, but also a strong leader.

“Franco Mostert is not available for the Welsh Test as it falls outside the international window, and the tour gives us a good chance to work with Ruan while he also familiarises himself further with the Springbok environment.

“With Pieter-Steph du Toit that can also perform well at flank as well as the addition of Oupa Mohoje to the loose forwards, we believe that we have sufficient cover at blindside flank.”

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Another 8 hours ago
Razor's 2024 All Blacks Christmas wish list

"It seems like the idea of Ardie Savea moving to openside flanker is no longer on the table"


Says who? Savea was picked on the open side, with Wallace Sititi at 8, against France. It makes no difference to Savea’s game, whatsoever and allows Sititi to play in his preferred position. It also provides an option to bring in a third loose forward that may provide a better lineout option and a big body to compete with some of the big bodies found in other teams.


It was unfortunate that Finau was injured so early on against France before he had a chance to show how he might combine with Savea and Sititi, and there is still a possibility that Hoskins Sotutu might be effective alongside them too.


Don’t count out viable options.

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