Bulls flyhalf Morné Steyn is the only newcomer in the 28-man Springbok squad, named on Monday, to face the British and Irish Lions in a three-Test series later this month.

The Bok squad, named by South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins and national coach Peter de Villiers, comprises 14 forwards and 14 backs.

However, Steyn is the only newcomer - a deserved Bok call-up after his standout performances in the Super 14 for the victorious Bulls.

The selection also marks the return to the national squad of Sharks prop Deon Carstens and Bulls centre Wynand Olivier, both of whom last played for the Boks in 2007.

The other uncapped squad member is Lions utility back Earl Rose, listed as a flyhalf, who toured Europe with the Springbok team in 2008 but did not play.

Sharks flyhalf Ruan Pienaar and utility back Frans Steyn, who have been recovering from injury in recent weeks, are included in the group.

The biggest surprise omission is Cheetahs flank Heinrich Brussow, a player who was one of the form loose forwards throughout the Super 14.

The squad includes 10 players from the Bulls' victorious Super 14 squad.

No less than 25 members of the squad that toured Wales, Scotland and England at the end of last year were included again.

The Springboks will face the B&I Lions in three Tests – in Durban on June 20, Pretoria on June 27 and Johannesburg on July 4.

South African squad (Test caps in brackets):

Forwards: John Smit (Sharks, 81, captain), Victor Matfield (Bulls, 80, vice-captain), Andries Bekker (Stormers, 13), Bakkies Botha (Bulls, 55), Schalk Burger (Stormers, 49), Deon Carstens (Sharks, 7), Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks, 21), Ryan Kankowski (Sharks, 7), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks, 10), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Bulls, 3), Danie Rossouw (Bulls, 36), Juan Smith (Cheetahs, 54), Pierre Spies (Bulls, 19), Gurthrö Steenkamp (Bulls, 20).

Backs: Jean de Villiers (Stormers, 46), Fourie du Preez (Bulls, 43), Jaque Fourie (Lions, 42), Bryan Habana (Bulls, 46), Adi Jacobs (Sharks, 21), Ricky Januarie (Stormers, 34), Odwa Ndungane (Sharks, 3), Jongi Nokwe (Cheetahs, 3), Wynand Olivier (Bulls, 21), Ruan Pienaar (Sharks, 27), JP Pietersen (Sharks, 24), Earl Rose (Lions, uncapped), Frans Steyn (Sharks, 27), Morné Steyn (Bulls, uncapped).

  • How do you rate this side? Who should be there? Who should not be there?

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