De Villiers trims his squad

Bok reward: Odwa Ndungane pips twin brother Akona into the 30-man squad

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has included four uncapped players in his reduced squad of 30 for the incoming tours against Wales and Italy.

Andries Bekker, Tendai Mtawarira, Brian Mujati and Odwa Ndungane have all been rewarded for their exceptional form in the Super 14 for the Sharks and the Stormers.

Interestingly, there are three former Zimbabweans in the squad that includes props Mtawarira and Mujati as well as winger Tonderai Chavhanga, who holds the record for most tries scored in a game (six) in the green and gold jersey [against Uruguay on debut in 2005].

Ndungane gets the nod ahead of his World Cup-winning twin brother Akona, who, along with fellow Bulls team-mate Wynand Olivier (also a World Cup winner) - is unable to make the cut.

Other World Cup stars who, at this point, have been discarded from the squad who went to France last year are locks Johann Muller and Albert van den Berg, prop Jannie du Plessis and winger JP Pietersen.

Back-up hooker Gary Botha has faded off the Bok radar and is currently plying his trade with Harlequins in the Guinness Premiership overseas.

However, De Villiers has kept the majority of the succesful World Cup squad intact, bringing back four World Cup stars who have been playing overseas in captain John Smit, Victor Matfield, Percy Montgomery and Butch James.

The rest of the absentees being retirees in the form of Os du Randt and Bob Skinstad as well as injuries to Andre Pretorius and Wayne Julies.

"It wasn't easy cutting down the squad to 30, and that is how it should always be," said De Villiers.

"A lot of guys put up their hands and I want to make it clear that the Springbok door is not shut to anyone.

"The squad was picked entirely on merit, and every player named deserves his spot. I congratulate them all and look forward to the challenges of Wales and Italy that are now upon us."

Selectors Peter Jooste and Ian McIntosh also expressed their satisfaction at a "well balanced squad, with the right mix of youth and experience".

The squad assembles in Bloemfontein on June 1.

South Africa squad:

Backs: Gcobani Bobo, Tonderai Chavhanga, Bolla Conradie, Jean de Villiers, Peter Grant, Bryan Habana, Adrian Jacobs, Butch James, Conrad Jantjes, Ricky Januarie, Percy Montgomery, Odwa Ndungane, Ruan Pienaar, Francois Steyn.

Forwards: Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, Ryan Kankowski, Victor Matfield, Tendai Mtawarira, Brian Mujati, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (c), Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, Joe van Niekerk, Luke Watson.

Injuries:

Of the original training squad, the following players were not considered because of injury: Heini Adams, Meyer Bosman, Schalk Burger, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Zane Kirchner, Wikus van Heerden and Duanne Vermeulen.