Tuesday night presents the capital's rugby fans with an excellent opportunity to cast their eyes over some emerging stars in the squad of the world champions at a bargain price in the luxurious surroundings of Wembley Stadium as a touring South Africa XV take on the Saracens, who opened their account at the national stadium against Northampton two months ago.
Although none of the starting test side that lost to France on Friday has been named in the South African fifteen for Wembley, the side still boasts an intriguing mix of promise and experience. Nine of the team are already full internationals and have 196 caps between them, led by strong and pacy Leinster prop CJ van der Linde who has 57 and scored against England at Twickenham three years ago as well as featuring in the 2007 world cup final victory. Loose forward Danie Roussow made a try saving tackle on England's Mark Cueto in that match having scored in the semi-final against Argentina while skilful fly half Ruan Pienaar and centre Wynand Olivier, both with twenty five internationals under their belts now, remained on the bench.
Andries Bekker should put his 6'10 (2.08 metres) height to good use in the lineout while winger Jongi Nokwe will be hoping to show the form that saw him score four tries against Australia a year ago. Prop Wian du Preez made his international debut against France last week. Tuesday night's side will be captained by Dewald Potgieter who does not yet have a full international appearance, but is also the leader of the Emerging Springboks team.
Intriguingly, the Saracens side could feature almost as many South Africans as the touring side. Their Springbok contingent is led by vice captain and flanker Wikus van Heerden who has 14 caps to his name and his compatriots include fellow senior internationals in scrum half Neil de Kock (10 caps), fly half Derick Hougaarde (8) and hooker Schalk Brits (3).
Tickets are available here at £10 for adults and £5 for juniors.
Photo via Steve C's Flickr stream.
