Springbok squad has been cut down to 37 players after coach Jacques Nienaber released 10 players back to their franchises and clubs.

Following the announcement of his match 23 for the first Test against the B&I Lions in Cape Town on Saturday, Nienaber also confirmed the release of seven locally based and three overseas-based players from the wider squad.

The players cut from the Bok set-up are Sharks trio Yaw Penxe, Sanele Nohamba and Fez Mbatha, Cheetahs wing Rosko Specman, Lions centre Wandisile Simelane, Bulls prop Lizo Gqoboka and Stormers hooker Scarra Ntubeni, alongside Sale Sharks trio Dan and Jean-Luc du Preez and Coenie Oosthuizen.

Speaking after the announcement, Nienaber said they had planned their team selections carefully.

“We planned our team selections carefully, which is why it was important for us to play a third match after the second Test against Georgia was cancelled, and we know what the players we selected can do.

“The fact that most of the players participated in the Rugby World Cup means they know one another well on and off the field, and as coaches we know what they have to offer after having worked with most of them for several years.”

Released players:

Yaw Penxe
Sanele Nohamba
Fez Mbatha
Rosko Specman
Wandisile Simelane
Lizo Gqoboka
Scarra Ntubeni
Dan du Preez
Jean-Luc du Preez
Coenie Oosthuizen

Photo: Gallo Images