Lionel Cronje one of four Kings players in Bok "A" team to take on French Barbarians

23 May 2017 | Admin Author

Southern Kings captain Lionel Cronje is one of four Kings players who have been included in the Springbok A team to take on the French Barbarians in two matches in Durban and Soweto next month.

The Kings players are Cronje, flank Chris Cloete, loose-forward Andisa Ntsila and winger Makazole Mapimpi.

The SA "A" squad, which will be coached by Lions head coach, Johann Ackerman, was announced on Tuesday by SA rugby boss, Mark Alexander.

In its statement SARU said that experienced Springboks Trevor Nyakane, Ruan Combrinck, Juan de Jongh and Lionel Mapoe will lead the charge for the SA 'A' team.

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee said he was excited by the next crop of players coming through the ranks.

"I think we have a brilliant mix of experienced players who have tasted what Test rugby is all about already, and very promising prospects youngsters who will be pushing for higher honours in the not too distant future," said Coetzee.

"In my view, there is definitely a lot of value in having players with Test experience playing with these exciting prospects, who along with the Junior Springboks represent the future of South Arica rugby."

The SA 'A' squad to take on the French Barbarians (followed by Test caps and SA 'A' appearances):

Forwards (14):

Ruan Botha (lock), Cell C Sharks - 0, 0

Uzair Cassiem (loose forward), Toyota Cheetahs - 1, 0

Chris Cloete (loose forward), Southern Kings - 0, 0

Thomas du Toit (prop), Cell C Sharks - 0, 2

Andries Ferreira (lock), Emirates Lions - 0, 0

Jason Jenkins (lock), Vodacom Bulls - 0, 1

Wilco Louw (prop), DHL Stormers - 0, 0

Jean-Luc du Preez (loose forward), Cell C Sharks - 1, 2

Franco Marais (hooker), Cell C Sharks - 0, 0

Ox Nche (prop), Toyota Cheetahs - 0, 0