Stormers lock Andries Bekker, Sharks prop Tendai Mtawarira, Stormers prop Brian Mujati and Sharks wing Odwa Ndungane earn places after good showings in the Super 14.
Props Mujati and crowd-favourite Mtawarira, known as ‘The Beast’, are both Zimbabweans but have been cleared to play for their adopted country after work permits were granted.
Ndungane gets the nod ahead of his 11-cap brother Akona, who is one of several surprise omissions including World Cup winners JP Pietersen and Jannie du Plessis as well as Sharks captain Johann Muller.
Also missing are eight injured players, including flanker Schalk Burger and scrum half Fourie du Preez. Fellow number nine Heini Adams, back row Wikus van Heerden, plus centres Jacque Fourie and Meyer Bosman are the other leading casualties.
John Smit, who lifted the World Cup trophy in Paris last October, will again captain the Springboks who play Wales in two Tests – at Bloemfontein’s Vodacom Park on 7th June, followed by Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld the following Saturday – then face Italy on 21st June, before beginning their Tri-Nations campaign against New Zealand on 5th July.
“It wasn’t easy cutting down the squad to 30, and that is how it should always be,” De Villiers said.
“A lot of guys put up their hands and I want to make it clear that the Springbok door is not shut to anyone. The squad was picked entirely on merit, and every player named deserves his spot.
“I congratulate them all and look forward to the challenges of Wales and Italy that are now upon us.”
South Africa squad
Backs: Gcobani Bobo, Tonderai Chavhanga, Bolla Conradie, Jean de Villiers, Peter Grant, Bryan Habana, Adrian Jacobs, Butch James, Conrad Jantjes, Ricky Januarie, Percy Montgomery, Odwa Ndungane, Ruan Pienaar and Francois Steyn
Forwards: Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Victor Matfield, Tendai Mtawarira, Brian Mujati, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (Capt), Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Gurthro Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, Joe van Niekerk, Luke Watson
