Meyer names five new caps for the Boks
Stormers loose forward Siya Kolisi and Lions prop Pat Cilliers join JJ Engelbrecht (centre/wing), Elton Jantjies (fly-half) and Jano Vermaak (scrum-half), who were all part of the Springbok squad for the June Test series against England, but did not make an appearance.
There is also a recall for Stormers lock Andries Bekker after two years on the Test sidelines because of injuries. Bekker is back in the squad for the first time since July 2010.
“It is important for us to build continuity in our squad, which is why we did not make too many changes,” said Meyer.
“Andries was always in the selection frame, but got injured shortly before England arrived and was not available.
“Pat and Siya were also part of our thinking earlier in the season and have forced their way into the squad with consistently good performances in Super Rugby.”
Meyer is excited about the forthcoming series against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s a big challenge, playing six Tests against the best teams in the world in eight weeks and we now have to ensure we improve on how we played against England,” he said.
“We are excited about what lies ahead in a brand new competition.”
The squad of 30 will be trimmed to 26 for the Springboks’ trip to Mendoza, where they play Argentina on August 25.
Injured Springboks not considered for selection were: Bjorn Basson, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Heinrich Brüssow, Bandise Maku and Coenie Oosthuizen.
Two other players who were part of the squad against England, Wynand Olivier and Ryan Kankowski, have signed contracts to play in Japan and were not considered.
Springboks Squad:
Willem Alberts, Andries Bekker, Pat Cilliers, Marcell Coetzee, Keegan Daniel, Jean de Villiers (capt), Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, JJ Engelbrecht, Eben Etzebeth, Dean Greyling, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Elton Jantjies, Zane Kirchner, Siya Kolisi, Juandré Kruger, Patrick Lambie, Tendai Mtawarira, Lwazi Mvovo, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Jacques Potgieter, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Pierre Spies, Frans Steyn, Morné Steyn, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe, Jano Vermaak.
