Former Border Bulldogs fullback Sino Ganto is pleased with the selection of the Springbok squad and has sympathy for those who missed out as excitement continues to build around SA’s return to international rugby this winter.
The Springboks will be back in action against unheralded Georgia on July 2 and 9, before battling it out against the British & Irish Lions in three Tests, on July 24 and 31 and August 7.
On Saturday, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander announced the squad, featuring several Rugby World Cup winners and exciting uncapped players to do duty for the first time since the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan on November 2 2019.
The 46-man squad includes 29 World Cup winners and eight uncapped players.
Border have a healthy representation in the Boks set-up, with World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi in the line-up along with uncapped Aphelele Fassi, Sanele Nohamba and Yaw Penxe.
Ganto said he was happy with the selections made by SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber, pointing out that they had found the balance in their picks.
“It’s a good squad,” Ganto said.
“I’m happy with what Rassie and his coaching staff are doing because you don’t want to dwell away from the World Cup squad.
“On the other side, I’m happy with the new caps and Morne Steyn is back playing his best. I'm happy.
“I know people want Curwin Bosch and I also want him, but at the moment Morne is doing really well.
“You need that experience.
“I’m happy for Ox Nche and Joseph Dweba.
“I have worked with them at the Cheetahs,” the former Cheetahs backline coach said.
But there are many players who have missed out on selection and this has sparked debate across the country.
Ganto shared heartfelt sympathy for Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Lizo Gqoboka.
Notshe was ruled out due to injury, while Gqoboka fell down the pecking order because of injuries hampering his form.
“It’s tough on Notshe and Gqoboka,” Ganto said.
“I know Notshe wanted this so much — even before he got injured he said that if he didn’t make it to the Springboks this year, he might call it.
“It’s tough on him because on the loose forward, everyone is putting their hands up.
“Lizo, it’s just bad luck for him as well.
“It’s a lot on their side mentally and emotionally, it’s cutting deep.
“For the Lions tour, they’ll miss it but to get to the Boks there are still so many games to be played.
“So many things can happen going forward.
“I don’t think the guys must give up, they must focus and work hard, and bounce back very soon.”
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.