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`No quotas` for Boks

Monday 12th May 2008

First Pick: De Villiers soon to name his 45

Peter de Villiers will be able to pick the best possible Springbok side regardless of colour, that's according to South African Rugby President Oregan Hoskins.

New boss de Villiers, who took over from Jake White following the country's World Cup triumph in 2007, is expected to announce his first squad next weekend after the final round of Super 14.

The 45-man selection was earlier rumoured to feature radical transformations for the summer Test matches Wales and Italy.

However, Hoskins was insistent on the notion that only form players will receive the honour of donning the green jersey in June.

"There will be no quotas," Hoskins said, speaking to the Cape Argus.

"My philosophy for team selection is actually the simplest: that is, we pick the best team to win for the country. I'm sure that Peter wants to win, and I'm sure he understands that that is his job.

"I made it very clear when Peter was appointed that I did not want to have a presidential veto. There is no prescription on the man.

"As a coach he must have free rein to pick his XV. And there will definitely be no quota."