Rugby Trio of Brothers Picked by Springboks & Bismarck Recalled

JOHANNESBURG, May 26 (Reuters) – Veteran hooker Bismarck du Plessis has been recalled to South Africa’s squad for four tests against Wales and England in June as new coach Rassie Erasmus also named the three Du Preez brothers in a 43-man squad on Saturday.

Du Plessis, 34, won the last of his 79 caps at the 2015 World Cup but headlines an extensive squad for the test against the Welsh in Washington DC next Saturday and three home internationals against the touring England team on June 9(Johannesburg), 16 (Bloemfontein) and 23 (Cape Town).

The dropping of restrictions on the call-ups of overseas-based players sees scrumhalf Faf de Klerk also return after his move to England last year. Duane Vermeulen and Willie le Roux are also back in the team.

There are 17 uncapped players in the expansive squad which is likely to see a second string head off on a lightning trip to the United States to play Wales while the first XV stay behind to prepare for England.

The new choices include 24-year-old flyhalf Robert du Preez, whose twin younger brothers Dan and Jean-Luc have already been capped by the Springboks. The trio play for the Sharks where their father Robert is the coach.

The three brothers, who attended Kearsney College in KwaZulu-Natal (just like their dad before them), made history last month when they were all selected for a match against the Bulls, the first time in Super Rugby history that three brothers were picked for the same match-23.

A new captain is due to be announced on Monday by Erasmus as injury has ruled out both Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth. The 2017 SA Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx is also out.

The four tests present prop Tendai Mtawarira with a chance to reach the milestone of 100 caps. He has 98.

“The coaching staff has done a lot of preparation and the players’ contribution in this process, during and after our three camps, has been tremendously positive,” said Erasmus in an SA Rugby statement.

“We know Wales and England will be very thorough in their analysis and overall preparation and we have to be ready for them. The players know what we expect of them, and that they will have to work very hard in a short space of time to be ready for the Tests against Wales and England.”

Additions and edits by SAPeople

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Squad:

Outside backs: Curwin Bosch (Sharks), Aphiwe Dyantyi (Lions), Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel (both Bulls), Willie le Roux (Wasps), Makazole Mapimpi, Sibusiso Nkosi (both Sharks)

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Stormers), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Bulls), Frans Steyn (Montpellier)

Flyhalves: Robert du Preez (Sharks), Elton Jantjies (Lions), Handre Pollard (Bulls)

Scrumhalves: Faf de Klere (Sale Sharks), Embrose Papier, Ivan van Zyl (both Bulls), Cameron Wight (Sharks)

Props: Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe (all Stormers), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Ox Nche (Cheetahs), Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)

Hookers: Bismarck du Plessis (Montpellier), Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers), Chilliboy Ralepelle, Akker van der Merwe (both Sharks)

Locks: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers), Jason Jenkins (Bulls), Franco Mostert, Marvin Orie (both Lions), RG Snyman (Bulls)

Loose forwards: Nizaam Carr (Stormers), Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez (both Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Stormers), Oupa Mohoje (Cheetahs), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Duane Vermeulen (Toulon). (Reporting by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Clare Fallon)