Free State Cheetahs wing Lionel Mapoe may be a surprise inclusion in the Springbok squad for the end-of-year tour of Europe and Ireland.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers will pick a 37-man squad for the November tour. The Boks are scheduled to play two midweek matches against English club sides Leicester and Saracens and three Tests against France (13 November), Italy (21 November) and Ireland (28 November) respectively.

With the Bok coach expected to blood a few youngsters and give some fringe players game time on the end-of-year tour, Mapoe could find himself travelling Europe with the national side if he continues his impressive from in the Currie Cup.

“He is one of the strongest, quickest and tallest wings in the country. What more do you want?” De Villiers told Die Burger.

“Mapoe impressed me when I saw him play for the sevens team. That does not give him a free ride into the squad. Players must pay their dues. There are no free rides.”

De Villiers stressed the importance of exposing up-and-coming players to the culture of the Springbok side.

“Something I have learnt in life is that I’m more comfortable in your home when I visit you for the fourth time than the first time,” said De Villiers.

“If you get someone used to the Bok culture now, it won’t be difficult for him when he has to play. He will be comfortable with the culture and be able to concentrate on his game.

“We won’t be looking at grooming predominantly young players, but there will be youngsters among them.”

“We may take five additional management members along. Some of the dirt-trackers will return once the games against the club sides are finished,” said De Villiers.

The Bok mentor added that it’s important to work on a succession plan for the current Test team.

“The big problem England had last year and New Zealand have this year, is that they did not have succession plans,” said De Villiers.

“South African coaches don’t last long and something has to be in place for whoever follows me up in 2011.

“We have to keep the winning culture and right now I’m looking for guys that can come in at the same level when we are gone.”

De Villiers concluded that he may decide to rest senior players for strategic reasons, rather than let them tour.

“It’s an issue I will handle with the Super 14 coaches in the national interest. I first have to speak to the players and see if I can convince them of the value of such a move.

“It’s important that they feel secure. There are senior guys that need a rest.”

Source: sarugby.com

Pic: rugby365.com

Tags: cheetahs, lionel mapoe