Shaun Sowerby

Former Springbok No 8 Shaun Sowerby says Bok coach Heyneke Meyer should keep his eye on the South African players in France.

Sowerby, who was recently named as one of the EP Kings’ assistant coaches, played club rugby in France for 10 years.

The 36-year-old played a single Test for the Springboks in 2002 but was a stalwart for the Sharks, before moving to France in 2004 when he joined Stade Francais.

He also had a stint at Toulouse and finished his playing career at Grenoble.

Sport24

In an interview, Sowerby said there are heaps of layers in France good enough to play for the Springboks.

“I wouldn’t dare voice my opinion over Heyneke’s team selections, but there are definitively a lot of players who could play for the Springboks.”

Players in France were not considered for Meyer’s first training squad named on Monday, but could come into consideration for the final squad on 31 May.

Top SA players currently plying their trade in France include Robert Ebersohn (Montpellier), Rory Kockott (Castres), Bryan Habana (Toulon), Schalk Ferreira (Toulouse), JC Janse van Rensburg (Bayonne), Louis Ludik (Agen), Juandré Kruger (Racing Metro), Wynand Olivier (Montpellier), Joe Pietersen (Biarritz), Dewaldt Duvenage (Perpignan), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Toulouse), Juan Smith (Toulon), Gurthrö Steenkamp (Toulouse), Morné Steyn (Stade Francais), Juan Smith (Toulon), Jano Vermaak (Toulouse) and Michael Claassens (Toulon).

Sowerby said South African rugby is privileged to have so many good players. Once a top player retires, another good one will emerge, Sowerby mentioned.

It remains to be seen which of the above-mentioned players will be called up by Meyer for the June Tests.

The Springboks start their year with a game against the World XV at Newlands on 7 June, followed by 2 Tests against Wales (Durban 14 June and Nelspruit 21 June) and 1 against Scotland (Port Elizabeth 28 June).