Friend turned foe: Enforcer Bakkies Botha to take on Springboks
South Africa will get a taste of what it is like to face their former lock enforcer Bakkies Botha when the veteran lines up for a World XV against the Springboks at Newlands on July 11.
South Africa will get a taste of what it is like to face their former lock enforcer Bakkies Botha when the veteran lines up for a World XV against the Springboks at Newlands on July 11.
The match is being used by Boks coach Heyneke Meyer as a warm-up fixture ahead of the international season and is the first time his team will play in this World Cup year.
The 35-year-old Botha, who retired from all competitive rugby last month, is one of nine players from European champions Toulon in the World XV, with the French club also supplying Bernard Laporte to assist former Australia coach Robbie Deans.
Botha’s Toulon team-mates who have been confirmed for the World XV are Delon Armitage (fullback), David Smith (wing), Rudi Wulf (centre), Maxime Mermoz (centre), Steffon Armitage (loose forward), Ali Williams (lock), Craig Burden (hooker) and Alexandre Menini (prop).
Also on the list are Springbok centre JJ Engelbrecht, Australia scrum-half Luke Burgess and France fly-half Maxime Machenaud.
The World XV will be captained by Louis-Benoit Madaule, who plays on the flank for French club Bordeaux.