Overseas aid for Springboks

De Villiers focusing his attentions on 2010 Tri-Nations campaign

Last updated: 9th March 2010  

Overseas aid for Springboks

De Villiers: Focus on Tri-Nations

By choosing overseas-based players for the Wales Test we won't be putting the Springbok brand at risk

Peter de Villiers
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South Africa coach Peter de Villiers intends to use players based overseas for the one-off Test against Wales on June 5.

The game, which was only finalised last week, takes place in Cardiff just five days after the conclusion of the current Super 14 campaign.

De Villiers will select just two contracted players from each of South Africa's five franchises for the game at the Millennium Stadium, meaning a chance will be given to those currently plying their trade abroad.

Those Springboks left at home will be allowed to focus their attentions on the Tri-Nations, with their opening match being against New Zealand on July 10.

Focus

"Our focus will definitely be on the Tri-Nations this year, given that we play our first game of the tournament at the same venue where we'll be based for next year's World Cup," de Villiers said in the Johannesburg-based Times.

"We'd be stupid not to focus on that game and, by extension, on the entire Tri-Nations tournament.

"I will take only two (contracted) Boks to Wales from each franchise, at most."

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has a strict policy not to select players from overseas but the likes of BJ Botha, CJ van der Linde, Wikus van Heerden, Butch James, Jean de Villiers and Frans Steyn could be picked.

De Villiers admitted that the Wales Test could act as a "one-off trial" for his overseas-based stars ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

"By choosing overseas-based players for the Wales Test we won't be putting the Springbok brand at risk," he added.

"Instead, it will be an opportunity for us. We won't have another chance to look at these players and at our depth again.

"I have to think about what will be best for the Springboks with a view to the World Cup, and I would be skinned by the media if I didn't take the opportunity to look at players based in Cardiff.

"I'm loath to say it, but this could be a one-off trial for players overseas to push for a World Cup place."

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