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Reaction to the Springbok 31-man squad

Cape Town - Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has announced his 31-man squad to take on the French in a three-Test series next month.

Lions No 8 Warren Whiteley was confirmed as the new Springbok skipper succeeding Adriaan Strauss.

The Springboks will face France on Saturday, June 10 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, followed by Tests at Kings Park in Durban (June 17) and Ellis Park in Johannesburg (June 24).

In case you missed any reaction from Springboks squad announcement, here are our top FIVE stories:

1. LIONS 'REWARDED' WITH 9 BOK INCLUSIONS

The Lions, who are runaway leaders of the Africa Conference 2, have been rewarded for their stellar Super Rugby performance, as nine players were selected in Coetzee's squad.

CLICK to read how many representatives from each South African Super Rugby team

2. WHITELEY BOK SKIPPER NO 58, BUT WHO WERE THE FIRST 57?

The Lions' Warren Whiteley became the 58th Springbok player to be handed the national captaincy.

But who were his predecessors?

CLICK here to find out


3. CONCUSSION SIDELINES LAMBIE FROM FRANCE SERIES

For those wondering why Pat Lambie was overlooked in the squad - it was due to injury. The Sharks flyhalf is still recovering from a concussion he suffered in the Super Rugby clash against the Kings.

CLICK to find out the other notable Springbok injuries

4. BOKS TO 'WING IT' OUT WIDE?

The Springboks face a problem at wing

They have a little to no experience in their squad when it comes to the Nos 11 and 14 positions.

CLICK here to read Coetzee's dilemma

5. BOK COACH EXPLAINS BISMARCK OMISSION

When discussing Bismarck du Plessis' snub, coach Allister Coetzee believes preference should be given to local players when selecting the national team.

CLICK here to read why the 79-capped Springbok was not selected

Images: Gallo

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