The Springboks announced their squad to face the Lions at a press conference on Monday evening, and while for the most part the selection was as expected, there were a few notable omissions alongside some interesting surprise call-ups.

The forward pack chosen is mostly in line with what can be expected, but there are a number of interesting choices that give an insight into how the Boks intend to play. Both Deon Carstens and Chiliboy Ralepelle can feel slightly lucky to be included in a pack simply dripping with raw talent. Carstens offers himself mostly as a utility prop, capable of playing on both sides of the scrum if neccessary.

With captain John Smit in the team alongside Bismarck Du Plessis it would seem that De Villiers wishes to continue with the Sharks template of playing Smit at tighthead and Du Plessis at number two. It's generally my belief that only bad teams play players out of position, but there are obvious exception to this rule and South Africa are anything but a bad team.

Selecting players out of position and the result being successful says something both about the individual players and the overall quality of the South African side. Smit does a good job at tighthead. While a specialist might pip him in the scrum, he is good enough to warrant inclusion for his all round ability. Add his captaincy and leadership, which is now certain and battle-hardened to the mix and it's a decision that makes a lot of sense. Players of a certain calibre have to be included, if, and this is a big 'if', they can play the alternate position without detriment to the side. Smit is one of those players.

If you'll allow me a somewhat ridiculous analogy, it's a little like the days of Jonah Lomu Rugby on the Playstation. If you completed the game on all modes including playing with your eyes shut (or something similar) you were awarded a special team. The Lomu XV. Every player was Jonah Lomu and the result was an invincible team that smashed all in it's path. Given the choice of 15 Jonah's any coach would pick all 15. He'd then go for a pint while the match unfolded safe in the knowledge that while 14 of his players were playing out of position it'd didnt really matter. Individually they'd have the all-round game to not just survive, but prosper - more use to the team out of position than even the best specialist playing in position. This is the John Smit thinking.

Likewise the Bok back-row looks freakishly formidable. Over the years the world stage has seen some truly awesome back-row combinations. The Holy Trinity of Back, Dallaglio and Hill, the All Black trio of Collins, McCaw and So'oialo and maybe even the Aussies with Waugh, Lyons and Smith. For sheer brutality, I'm not sure any of them will match the likely test starters of Juan Smith, Pierre Spies and Schalk Burger. Juan Smith is the Richard Hill of South Africa. Hugely underrated, often unseen, but recognised at home for what he is - a genuinely world class player. Burger and Spies need zero introduction. They are both powerhouses, and while Spies is still a relative newcomer to the international fray, Burger offers genuine experience.

Much has been said about Spies' physique, strength and athleticism, but it's really pretty hard to over emphasis it. In a piece for Keo.co.za, Ryan Vrede offers some stats to underline the man:

Another available fullback option was veteran Stefan Terblanche. At 33 years of age, the Shark has bags of experience, 37 test caps and a try scoring strike rate that is the envy of most. Despite these options the Boks coach has chosen to ignore them both and will obviously play a non-specialist in the 15 shirt.

Earl Rose looks to be the surprise inclusion in the Springbok lineup, and despite relatively poor performances for his province, he may yet get a run in the side. He has experience at both fly half and full back, and it may be that PdV intends to play him at 15.

An outside possibility, given Rose' form, is to include Jaque Fourie's considerable talents at the back. Though relatively untested in the position this would be a bold call that would offer even more threat to the Springbok attacking game. Fourie cuts some devastating angles and his inclusion would be another danger for the Lions defence to manage.

Morné Steyn is handed his first call-up following an amazing season for the Bulls. The no. 10 is probably the best kicker in South Africa, if not the world at the moment, and new kicking coach Percy Montgomery may find himself scratching his head while he tries to think of something new to teach the young protégé. He's certainly no slouch with ball-in-hand but if Steyn is the out and out kicking option, then Ruan Pienaar is the great Bok playmaker. After mixing it up in a number of different positions, Pieneaar seems to have settled on the 10 shirt. His inventiveness and elusive running is impressive to say the least.

This is a hugely strong Boks squad despite the currently vacant full back berth. PdV has incredible strength in depth at the moment and a wealth of experience to draw on alongside the youngsters and new caps. The Lions will have been watching closely, and if the game on Saturday wasn't enough to convince them, they'll know now for sure that the task ahead is huge.