Springboks prepared for every eventuality, says Muir
The Stormers flanker has a calf injury and missed out on selection when the match 22 was named, with Heinrich Brussow, who was called up to the squad less than 24 hours ago, thrown straight into the mix.
Morne Steyn, the stand-out fly-half from the Super 14, was the only uncapped player included in the 22, but will have to wait for his debut from the bench, with the disputed number 10 jersey going to Ruan Pienaar.
The other contested position, full-back, went to Frans Steyn, while the rest of the squad, which will be led by John Smit, is packed with experience.
Sixteen players in the match 22 were in the Springboks’ line-up for their previous Test against England at Twickenham in November last year, while the team includes a combined total of 707 caps.
With coach Peter de Villiers in Port Elizabeth attending a match between the Southern Kings and the Lions, Muir led the press conference to announce the team.
He said: “We have a team that can take the Lions on at forward and run at them behind. We have been together as a squad for a number of years.
“The players have won the World Cup and the Bulls lifted the Super 14. There is a confidence throughout the squad that will carry us through.
“We have not played together as a side for seven months but we will be ready for the Lions.
“We have had practice sessions against the Emerging Springboks in training and while we are aware the Lions have had more in the way of match preparation than us, there is an up and a down side to that because they have picked up injuries along the way.”
Brussow, who plays for the Cheetahs, will make his first start for South Africa with his only previous Test appearance coming as a substitute against England during South Africa’s end-of-year tour last year.
The 22-year-old was considered the unluckiest player to miss out on the initial squad selection on June 1 after an outstanding Super 14 season.
And he made a statement to Springbok selectors with an impressive individual display for his province against the Lions in a tour match in Bloemfontein, where he caused plenty of problems, especially at the breakdown.
Muir, who confirmed Burger is on course to be fit for the second Test, continued: “Heinrich did well against the Lions for the Cheetahs but the more important factor in his call-up was how he had gone in Namibia.
“His inclusion is not at all disruptive because he played against Namibia in our warm-up match last month and he was on tour with us at the end of last year.”
De Villiers’ number two added the South Africans would be fully prepared for whatever Lions team they face.
“We have analysed the Lions minutely, not just this tour, but looking at the Six Nations and the clubs their coaches have been involved in.
“We know exactly how they are going to play and what their management team is all about.
“We do not expect any surprises in their team. We are not too concerned about what will be thrown at us.
“We are only worried about what we need to do. We have a formidable side and whatever the Lions come up with, we will front up to them.”
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