South Africa named a powerful squad on Monday for the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions starting on June 20.

It will be headed by World Cup-winning captain John Smit, who has moved from hooker to tighthead prop, making way for Bismarck du Plessis and Chiliboy Ralepelle at hooker.

One surprise was that there was no specialist fullback named, with the position likely to be filled by one of JP Piersen, Jacque Fourie or Francois Steyn.

The backbone of the team is supplied by the Super 14-winning Bulls, who have eight players in the 28-man squad, including the only new cap Morne Steyn, who, at flyhalf, was the top points scorer in the Super 14.

Coach Peter de Villiers has rewarded form, but said it was very difficult to leave some players out of the squad. "There were at least 12 players who could have made the squad, but I think we have the players who can go out and do the job," he said.

Impressed by the performance of the senior Springbok players during the Super 14, he added: "With four Super 14 captains in the side, some of whom have captained South Africa, my job becomes easier all the time."

An Emerging Springboks side was named to face the Lions in Cape Town on June 23, consisting of players who have not yet represented South Africa. It will be captained by Bulls flanker Dewald Pretorius.

Squads:

South Africa: Forwards - Andries Bekker, Schalk Burger, Bismarck du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Ryan Kankowski, Tendai Mtawarira, John Smit (captain), Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Danie Rossouw, Gurthro Steenkamp, Deon Carstens. Backs - Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jacque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Adrian Jacobs, Ricky Januarie, Odwa Ndungane, Jongi Nokwe, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, J.P. Pietersen, Earl Rose, Francois Steyn, Morne Steyn.

Emerging Springboks: Backs - Heini Adams, Bjorn Basson, Burton Francis, Zane Kirchner, Louis Ludik, Morgan Newman, Earl Rose, Deon van Rensburg, Jano Vermaak, Luzuko Vulindlu. Forwards - Jacques Botes, Jean Deysel, Wian du Preez, Werner Kruger, Tiaan Liebenberg, Bandise Maku, Dewald Pretorius (captain), Wihelm Steenkamp, Steven Sykes, Franco van der Merwe, Duane Vermuelen.

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