Australia
O'Connor named in World XV to take on South Africa
ESPN Staff
April 8, 2014
James O'Connor will join former Wallabies team-mates Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau in the World XV when they take on South Africa © Getty Images
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South Africa have confirmed they'll kick-off a 14-match 2014 schedule on June 7 against a World XV in Cape Town. The non-cap game at Newlands stadium precedes Tests against Wales (three), Argentina, Australia, New Zealand (two each), England, Ireland, Italy and Scotland.

A decision on the proposed World XV fixture had been delayed while the South African Rugby Union (SARU) negotiated financial deals. Profits from the game will help fund training camps for the Springboks ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

SARU said the World backs would include France-based Australians James O'Connor, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell, former All Black Hosea Gear and Frenchman Francois Trinh-Duc.

Forwards already chosen include two props, South African BJ Botha and New Zealander Carl Hayman, English loose forward Steffon Armitage and French No. 8 Julien Bonnaire.

SARU said they would release further statements during April regarding the composition of the squad. Former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallett, a Johannesburg-based television pundit for the 2014 Super 15 season, has been named coach of the World XV. Mallett will come up against Heyneke Meyer, one of his assistants when he coached the Springboks during the late 1990s.

© AAP

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