Watson to make Bok debut

By Tarryn Le Chat
22 May 2007

Luke Watson will not be in the 22-man squad to face England in the first test in Bloemfontein, but has been chosen to play against Samoa at Ellis Park on June 9 to make his first Bok debut.

It has been agreed that White would pick his strongest side for the first two tests against England, but that Watson would be included in the final Test before the start of the Tri-Nations.

White and Saru President, Oregan Hoskins, with the national selectors reached consensus on Watson at a meeting in Durban on Sunday.

Controversy surrounding Luke Watson and the recent spate about how he had been entered into the 46-man squad has died down.

Many speculated about whether Watson, son of Cheeky Watson - who had been an anti-apartheid activist - would make the final cut and have his first debut as a springbok.

According to reports, White maintains that Watson was too small to play Test rugby and would prove to be a divisive influence in the Bok camp.

The Springbok coach has denied allegations that he had been threatened with losing his job; nor had he considered resigning over the Watson debacle.