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Springboks sack skipper

Teichmann among 11 players dropped for Tri-Nations

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Posted: Monday July 26, 1999 11:50 AM

Gary Teichmann was among 11 players dropped by South Africa, which has lost three straight tests in June and July. David Rogers/Allsport

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) -- Springbok skipper Gary Teichmann has been dropped from South Africa's squad for Tri-Nations matches against New Zealand and Australia next month and been replaced as captain by Joost van der Westhuizen for the defending champions' World Cup campaign.

The 32-year-old number eight Teichmann was among 11 players dropped from the 29-man squad which lost three successive tests in June and July. A 29-19 defeat by Wales was followed by record defeats by New Zealand (28-0) and Australia (32-6).

Fit-again, scrum-half Van der Westhuizen leads the 26-man squad named in Cape Town on Monday.

"It was a decision we believe was unavoidable," said coach Nick Mallett.

"The captain of the Springbok team has to be an automatic selection in his position, and looking at our best possible loose forward combination at present we do not feel that Gary is an automatic first choice."

Teichmann's place has gone to 22-year-old Bobby Skinstad who returns from injury to take his place in the squad.

"I don't think Gary's very happy at the moment," said Mallett who had informed his skipper of the decision before making the announcement.

"He is upset about it -- it's been a dream of his to go to this World Cup, and it's a decision I have not enjoyed making."

Mallett recalled three veterans to the squad -- World Cup winning forwards Chris Rossouw and Ruben Kruger and center Brendan Venter, who made the last of his 14 test appearances three years ago.

South Africa Squad

Backs - Gaffie du Toit, Robbie Fleck, Henry Honiball, Deon Kayser, Percy Montgomery, Breyton Paulse, Pieter Rossouw, Andre Snyman, Werner Swanepoel, Stefan Terblanche, Joost van der Westhuizen, Brendan Venter.

Forwards - Selborne Boome, Naka Drotske, Os du Randt, Rassie Erasmus, Adrian Garvey, Ruben Kruger, Ollie le Roux, Krynauw Otto, Chris Rossouw, Bob Skinstad, Albert van den Berg, Andre Bventer, Cobus Visagie, Andre Vos.

 

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