South Africa's national selectors have named a predictable and experienced squad of 30 players to feature at this year's World Cup tournament.
National coach Jake White named 14 backs and 16 forwards with the squad being a good blend of youth and experience.
Loose forward Bob Skinstad, who'd given up the game in South Africa in 2003 and only returned to action for the Coastal Sharks in this season's Super 14 championship, is the big winner in the squad.
Skinstad spent the last four years in England where he played a minor role with the Richmond club. He was lured back to the country of his birth by White during last season's 'Bok tour of Ireland and England.
The other player who snuck into the squad at the last minute was flanker Wikus van Heerden, a star performer in the weakened 'Bok side during the recent away leg of the Tri-Nations.
White also included injured flyhalf Andre Pretorius in his squad. Pretorius has played no rugby since the latter stages of the Super 14 competition.
Somewhat surprisingly the selectors opted for only two hookers, captain John Smit and Gary Botha, while there are three scrumhalves in Fourie du Preez, Ruan Pienaar and Ricky Januarie.
Also selected in the France-bound team is veteran loosehead prop Os du Randt as well as winger Ashwin Willemse, who only returned to rugby in the latter stages of the Super 14 competition, which ended in May, after sitting on the sidelines for two years nursing knee, ankle and hamstring injuries.
SQUAD:
Backs: Percy Montgomery, Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana, Ashwin Willemse, Akona Ndungane, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Wynand Olivier, Butch James, Andre Pretorius, Fourie du Preez, Ruan Pienaar, Ricky Januarie.
Forwards: Pierre Spies, Bob Skinstad, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Wikus van Heerden, Danie Rossouw, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Johann Muller, Albert van den Berg, BJ Botha, CJ van der Linde, Os du Randt, Gurthro Steenkamp, John Smit (captain), Gary Botha.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely