Mon, May 14, 2007 - Page 19 News List

Luke Watson named in 'Bok squad

AP , DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

Controversial Stormers captain Luke Watson was one of four uncapped players named in a 46-man training squad for South Africa's international rugby season.

Watson, a flanker, joined Sharks winger Odwa Ndungane, hooker Bismarck du Plessis and center Waylon Murray in a squad from which the Springboks for the first Test of the year against England on May 26 will be chosen.

Watson has been left out of coach Jake White's plans for two seasons despite compelling performances in domestic competitions, leading to reports of irreconcilable differences between the two.

The squad was originally set to be made up of 45 players, but it appeared White was put under last-minute pressure to include him.

Former Springboks captain Bobby Skinstad took another step on what could be a remarkable comeback when he was named in the squad in recognition for some hard work in the Super 14.

The squad goes into camp on Wednesday. Sharks and Bulls players involved in the Super 14 final will join the squad on Sunday.

Forwards: Johann Ackermann, Eddie Andrews, Bakkies Botha, Gary Botha, B.J. Botha, Gerrie Britz, Schalk Burger, Deon Carstens, Bismarck du Plessis, Os du Randt, Victor Matfield, Johann Muller, Danie Rossouw, Bob Skinstad, John Smit, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Kabamba Floors, Gurthro Steenkamp, Albert van den Berg, C.J. van der Linde, Wikus van Heerden, Joe van Niekerk, A.J. Venter, Luke Watson.

Backs: Tonderai Chavhanga, Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Bevin Fortuin, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Wayne Julies, Percy Montgomery, Waylon Murray, Akona Ndungane, Odwa Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Breyton Paulse, Ruan Pienaar, J.P. Pietersen, Andre Pretorius, Jaco Pretorius, Francois Steyn, Ashwin Willemse.

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