WP trio to bolster Boks for World XV match

Bolla Conradie, Selborne Boome and De Wet Barry will swell the Western Province contingent in the Springbok squad before the match against the World XV in Leicester on December 3.

The national selectors' decision to pick Jean de Villiers as the sole WP representative in the 28-man squad has elicited fierce debate in the Cape.

However, convenor of selectors Peter Jooste said there was nothing sinister in the selection, which was influenced by the need to allow key players to overcome chronic injury problems and planning for next year's World Cup.

"Western Province should not worry. We are not deliberately discarding their players. We will bring De Wet, Bolla, Selborne, Jongi Nokwe (Boland) and Wikus van Heerden (Lions) over for the match against the World XV," he said.

"Selborne has experience. He's an old campaigner and has played in the northern hemisphere conditions. He will be a big help to the youngsters. Bolla has been playing well and De Wet is among the contracted Springboks... all the contracted players are still part of our plans."

Three of WP's other Springboks - Schalk Burger, Joe van Niekerk and Marius Joubert - are injured and were therefore not available for selection.

Province captain Luke Watson declined to comment on his own situation on Sunday, but expressed disappointment for his team-mates.