Shimange must pass the scrum examination

Bloemfontein - Springbok rugby's topsy-turvy nature in recent seasons is reflected in the Cheetahs' squad due to play an Argentinian XV on Saturday.

National squad coaches Carel du Plessis, Nick Mallett, Harry Viljoen and Rudolf Straeuli have cast the selectoral net far and wide over the past six seasons, and although no player from this province cracked the nod in the current squad, five discarded Springboks are in action on Saturday afternoon.

Cheetahs captain Rassie Erasmus, who made his debut under Du Plessis, McNeil Hendricks, who first appeared under Mallett, Frederich Lombard, Marco Wentzel and CJ van der Linde, who first donned the green and gold under Straeuli in Europe last year, have all been included in Peet Kleynhans's squad for Saturday's game.

They may all privately harbour ambitions of playing in this year's World Cup but it is ironic that substitute Hanyani Shimange may be the player in their squad with the best chance of travelling to Australia.

Shimange, however, has to find fitness and form and has to reinvent himself as a forceful scrummager if he hopes to make it big later this year. He has long been regarded as a gifted ball player but his scrumming has been less compelling.

He was selected in the Springbok squad that was named for the Test series against Scotland but failed to get onto the field. Straeuli's penchant for a strong scrummaging hooker for the duration of the match may preclude Shimange's immediate participation in national colours.

Shimange has a lot to prove when he steps off the bench but no-one can realistically expect him to reinvent himself overnight.

Teams

Cheetahs: Jaco van Schalkwyk; McNeil Hendricks, Frederich Lombard, Chris Kruger, Showan Smith; Kennedy Tsimba, Jimmy Powell; Rassie Erasmus (captain), Nico Breedt, Ryno van der Merwe; Gerrie Britz, Boela du Plooy; CJ van der Linde, Andre Langley, Gurthro Steenkamp. Substitutes: Hanyani Shimange, Marius Mostert, Rayno Gerber, Marco Wentzel, Gromingo Mzunga, JP du Toit, Tsepo Kokoali. Coach: Peet Kleynhans

Argentina XV: not available. Referee: Eugene Daniels