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| Brian Habana is expected to lead the Springboks attack once again. |
| Wales braced for tough Springboks battle |
| 1 October 2008, 2:10 pm |
| By By Graeme Gillespie |
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| Wales have welcomed the Springboks decision to send their strongest possible side on their end of year tour to Wales, Scotland and England. |
Some reports from South Africa suggested the Boks would be looking to send an under-strength side but acting managing director of SA Rugby, Andy Marinos, today confirmed the likes of world class stars Brian Habana and Schalk Burger will all be in contention in coach Peter de Villiers’s side.
Wales assistant coach Rob Howley said: “This is extremely welcome news. We have very much been looking forward to kicking off our autumn campaign at the Millennium Stadium against the World Champions and to hear that they will be sending their strongest side is just what we all wanted to hear.
“You have to test yourselves against the very best teams in the world in order to progress and we know only too well after losing twice to them on tour in South Africa this summer that they will present a mighty challenge, but it is a challenge we are determined to rise to on home turf.”
The Springbok selectors will meet in the week of the Absa Currie Cup final to discuss their choice and the squad will be named on the evening of October 25, following the final.
Marinos spoke to quash reports that the Springboks may rest some of their leading players for the tour.
"One of Peter's (de Villiers) personal managers made some casual remarks to a reporter about Peter perhaps resting players for the end of year tour,” said Marinos. “But we have agreed that following a final selection meeting, having viewed the Absa Currie Cup comprehensively, the strongest possible team will be considered for the tour," said Marinos.
"We met the leading provinces at the conclusion of the Vodacom Tri-Nations and discussed managing the players' workloads.
"But any suggestions attributed to the national coach that we will be resting players are absolutely incorrect." |
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