Monty back for South Africa

Gwent Dragons full-back Percy Montgomery is set to make his long-awaited international comeback following a two-year absence after being named in South Africa’s starting line-up for Saturday’s second Test against Ireland at Newlands.

Montgomery has not played for his country since earning his 50th cap at the end of 2001 after making himself unavailable for selection by signing for the Dragons.

SARFU policy at the time stated that no overseas player was eligible to play for the Springboks.

That ruling has now been relaxed since new coach Jake White took over in March from Rudolf Straeuli following the Boks’ poor World Cup campaign which saw them crash out in the quarter-finals.

Two overseas-based players are now permitted to play and White is keen for one of the spots to be taken by Montgomery.

In another change to the side which won the first Test 31-17, winger Jaque Fourie is included at the expense of Henno Mentz.

“They [Montgomery and Fourie] were first choices anyway and I think Ireland will kick a lot so we have gone with three full-backs in the back three,” White said at the team hotel on Tuesday.

“That said, it’s always difficult to leave guys out after a win. But I have explained to them that I needed to pick the best available side. They have accepted that.

“Monty has played 50 Tests, is the second highest points scorer and we know the importance of experience. Monty has been around and we need a goalkicker.”

White also confirmed that lock Bakkies Botha would be fit to play after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the first Test.

The South Africa team to play Ireland is: Percy Montgomery, Breyton Paulse, Marius Joubert, Wayne Julies, Jaque Fourie, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Fourie du Preez; Jacques Cronje, Pedrie Wannenburg, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Eddie Andrews, John Smit (captain), Os du Randt.

Reserves: Hanyani Shimange, CJ van der Linde, Quinton Davids, Gerrie Britz, Bolla Conradie, Gaffie du Toit, Brent Russell.