South Africa v British & Irish Lions 2009 Test 1

[Burgs]

South Africa name Cheetahs flanker Heinrich Brussow to face British and Irish Lions
From correspondents in Durban, South Africa
June 17, 2009

Springboks flanker Heinrich Brussow completed a dramatic turnaround when he was chosen to face the British and Irish Lions in the first Test at Absa Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

The Cheetahs fetcher, excluded from the original 28-man squad for the three-Test series, was drafted in Monday because of doubts concerning the fitness of Schalk Burger.

Stormers and Western Province loose forward Burger has been battling to overcome a calf injury sustained playing in the Super 14 series, and Springboks coach Peter de Villiers had no hesitation in calling up Brussow.

"I was disappointed to miss out on selection into the original squad, which has a lot of great players, but I am very happy about my change of fortune," Brussow said.

"Playing against the Lions is a great challenge because they are a very good team, but the fact that I have already faced them with the Cheetahs will benefit me."

Brussow first wore the Springboks jumper last November, playing as a replacement in the Test win against England at Twickenham.

John Smit skippers the Boks again from the tighthead prop position, with Francois Steyn getting the fullback berth and Ruan Pienaar passed fit to start at fly half.

Bulls five-eighth Morne Steyn was named on the bench.

South Africa Team To Play British And Irish Lions

1. Tendai Mtawarira,
2. Bismarck du Plessis,
3. John Smit (capt),
4. Bakkies Botha;
5. Victor Matfield,
6. Heinrich Brussow,
7. Juan Smith,
8. Pierre Spies,

9. Fourie du Preez;
10. Ruan Pienaar,
11. Bryan Habana;
12. Jean de Villiers,
13. Adrian Jacobs,
14. JP Pietersen,
15. Francois Steyn;

16. Gurthro Steenkamp,
17. Deon Carstens,
18. Andries Bekker,
19. Danie Rossouw,
20. Ricky Januarie,
21. Jaque Fourie,
22. Morne Steyn

[slomo]

good 22 a bit of depth there, let the tests begin.....

[lara93]

:O no kanko!
but still a good team

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Boks will eat the Lions this series. Its a lay down misere.

[Thequeerone]

Hmmp - thinking there is a bit of a roar to be heard from the Boyos yet

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Your dreaming TQ1

[Thequeerone]

Happy Happy dreams of disheartened springboks carrying injuries into the Tri Nations series - seriously after last night they are 6/6 in the warmup games- heaps of time to get some old fashioned combinations settled:

Another warm up win
16 June 2009, 4:05 pm ::
Match Report by Marc Heywood
The 2009 Lions will enter the Test series against the Springboks on the back of six successive victories.

http://www.lionsrugby.com/thetour/8124.php

Ian McGeechan’s men were made to work hard for their 20-8 triumph over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth but the result sees the Lions travel to Durban with plenty of momentum.

[Burgs]

I don't think it will be 3-0, but I would be tipping the hairybacks 2-1

[JediKnight]

Boks will eat the Lions this series. Its a lay down misere.

Put your vMoney where your vMouth is & give us some vBookie action!

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Sorted, on to it. Should be money for old rope.

[Burgs]

vrope?

[robyn <3]

I'd have Morne Steyn starting - not only has he got a wonderful boot but his field play is wonderful to watch. Hope he gets some good game time! It looks good... Wonder where the Ndungane twins or brothers are.