The squad to play Manu Samoa was named yesterday and as expected it is a new look SA XV. Jake White has given new life to some players’ international careers and has named two new caps in the squad.

Springbok squad to play Manu Samoa:

15.Franscois Steyn, 14.Ashwin Willemse, 13.Waylon Murray, 12.Wayne Julies, 11.JP Pietersen, 10.Derick Hougaard, 9.Enrico Januarie, 8.Bob Skinstad, 7.Danie Rossouw, 6.Luke Watson, 5.Albert van den Berg, 4.Johan Ackermann, 3.BJ Botha, 2.John Smit, 1.Os du Randt

Reserves: Gary Botha, Deon Carstens, Johann Muller, Pedrie Wannenburg, Ruan Pienaar, Jacques Fourie, Percy Montgomery

This squad is very inexperienced with the backline having played only 50 test matches between them. Players like Derick Hougaard, Wayne Julies and Johan Ackermann (who becomes the oldest Springbok in history) makes their return to the international arena and Os du Randt makes his return after injury.

Two players make their international debuts on Saturday. Sharks centre, Waylon Murray, and controversial WP flank, Luke Watson, was included in the starting XV to play Manu Samoa. Murray was rewarded for his good Super 14 form this year and Watson has finally been recognised for his consistent form from the past three seasons.

Bob Skinstad will probably captain the Boks since White said that Gary Botha needs playing time, “If the situation permits John will leave the field and Skinstad will take over the captaincy. Bob has been Springbok captain in the past and there is no need to make drastic decisions and pick a new captain, it logical that Bob should take over as leader if John leaves the field”, White was quoted saying at a press conference.