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CAPE TOWN: South Africa has named veteran Gio Aplon in his squad for the November internationals, the fast back call six years after his last participation for the Springboks.
Coach Rassie Erasmus also included the headless trio of the Sergeal Petersen wing, the Ruhan Nel center and the JD Schickerling lock, all of which were impressive at the Currie Cup for the lost finalists, Western Province, Saturday.
Aplon, 36, works for Toyota Verblitz in Japan, but has extensive gaming experience in France with Grenoble and will cover the back and rear wing positions. He has 17 selections for the Boks, the last in 2012.
"Gio has a lot of experience in tough European conditions since his passing rugby club in France," said Erasmus in a South African Rugby press release.
"It is always good to welcome new players into the Springbok environment and I am delighted to be working with Sergeal and JD I am sure they will bring a lot of energy to the group.
Trevor Nyakane and Lood de Jager, who missed the entire 2018 international season, are also back, while Duane Vermeulen, number eight, is available again after being rested for the rugby championship.
"We all know that experienced players like Lood, Trevor and Duane will bring to the team," said Erasmus.
The Lionel Mapoe and Lukhanyo Am centers, the Tendai Mtawarira aircraft, the scrum half Ross Cronje and the Makazole Mapimpi wing were not considered due to an injury.
The Boks begin their tour against England at Twickenham on Saturday, while Erasmus will present a home selection, the match falling outside the international box.
Next come matches against France, Scotland and Wales, on consecutive weekends, during which Erasmus will be able to choose among its 36 players.
Team:
In front: Schalk Brits, Lood de Jager, Pieter Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, François Louw, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Moster, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Trevor Nyakane, JD Schickerling, RG Snyman, Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley
Back: Gio Aplon, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Andre Esterhuizen, Elton Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Wille le Roux, Ruhan Nel, Sbu Nkosi, Paper Embrose, Sergeal Petersen, Sergeal Petersen, Handre Pollard, Louis Van Zyl, Damian Willemse
(Report by Nick Said, edited by Ken Ferris)
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