Deon Kayser's worst fears were confirmed on Saturday when he was omitted from Springboks coach Harry Viljoen's 26-man Test squad for the internationals against France later this month.

The 30-year-old speedster, who was in top form in this season's Super 12, was one of six players left out, the other being Gaffie du Toit, Charl van Rensburg, Francois Swart, Wayne Julies and Lawrence Sephaka.

Kayser's age was seemingly the factor that counted against him, with the selectors instead opting to give youngsters like Adrian Jacobs and Conrad Jantjes a chance. However, the squad does have its fair share of 30-somethings in Japie Mulder, Willie Meyer and Johan Ackermann.

Sarfu President Silas Nkanunu was presented with the squad on Saturday afternoon and the selectors took a decision to release it to the media immediately, although it was only due on Sunday morning.

Andre Vos captains a squad that includes seven new faces and marks the return to international rugby of Bob Skinstad, De Wet Barry, Rassie Erasmus and Johan Ackermann.

The new faces are winger Dean Hall, utility back Conrad Jantjes, centre Adrian Jacobs, flyhalf Butch James, scrumhalf Neil de Kock, hooker Lucas van Biljon and prop Etienne Fynn, although the latter has played for the midweek Boks.

In announcing the squad, Springbok coach Harry Viljoen emphasised how difficult it had been to trim the training camp number of 32 to a Test squad of 26. "Some very good players have not made the squad. The six players to miss out are still very much a part of my plans.

"All six are naturally disappointed, but equally committed to force their way into the 26-Test squad. I think the camp was a tremendous experience for all 32 and I am particularly pleased at the attitude of the players during the camp," said Viljoen.

"We planted the seeds for 2003 in the past fortnight and each player knows what will be required of him in the next two and a half years. I cannot fault one player for commitment or attitude and that is among the most pleasing aspects of the past two weeks."

Francois Swart, the SA under-19 flyhalf, will join Rudy Joubert's SA under-23 squad in Cape Town on Sunday, as will Wayne Julies and Lawrence Sephaka. Viljoen is delighted that Joubert agreed to accommodate his request to involve Swart.

"Francois has enormous potential. The camp was a brilliant experience for him. He got exposed to a culture he wants to be a part of and it is important his development is continued," said Viljoen.

"I asked Rudy if he could include him in his plans. Fortunately, Rudy also attended the camp for a day and had a chance to see Francois first-hand. He liked what he saw and it is a boost for our rugby that he was willing to support my desire to see Francois play at a higher level.

"Wayne and Lawrence were both superb during the camp and are very much a part of our future plans. Both are still under-23. Lawrence, in particular, has responded to the challenge."

Kayser, Sephaka and Du Toit, who were contracted at the beginning of the year, will remain on contract. "I have picked a squad with a two-fold purpose. One is to beat France and the other is to introduce new talent at the highest level.

"Neil de Kock, Dean Hall, Conrad Jantjes, Adrian Jacobs and Lucas van Biljon are all very talented players. They have impressed me at the camp and it is an exciting time for our rugby to see young talent coming through. I have to develop a strong squad culture. This squad is about 26 players and not 15 starting individuals."

The test 22 will be named on Wednesday, June 13.

26-man Test squad: Percy Montgomery, Thinus Delport, Dean Hall, Breyton Paulse, Conrad Jantjes, Japie Mulder, Robbie Fleck, De Wet Barry, Adrian Jacobs, Butch James, Joost van der Westhuizen, Neil de Kock, Andre Vos (capt), Bob Skinstad, Rassie Erasmus, Corne Krige, Andre Venter, Mark Andrews, Johan Ackermann, Albert van den Berg, Etienne Fynn, Willie Meyer, Robbie Kempson, Ollie le Roux, John Smit, Lucas van Biljon.