Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle admits he is hugely excited by the prospects of running out against the 2009 British & Irish Lions in front of his home crowd at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The former Baby Boks captain has been included on the Springbok bench for the second Test in the Pretoria, replacing loosehead prop Gurthrö Steenkamp on the bench, and could well make an appearance on the pitch in the second half if things go South Africa’s way.
The Boks won the first Test 26-21 at the Absa Stadium Durban last weekend.
“Loftus has been a great hunting ground for me and it will be great to be involved in my first game against the Lions at my home ground,” Ralepelle said after the Springbok team announcement at the Sun Square Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg on Tuesday.
“There’s big excitement about it and I am looking forward to it,” he added.
Ralepelle has three previous Test caps and last played for the Boks in the record 42-6 win over England at Twickenham in November 2008, where he came on from the bench in the closing stages.
The talented hooker, who is both a former SA Under-19 and Under-21 captain, made his Test debut against New Zealand in 2006. He battled with injury during 2007 but came back strongly in 2008.
This article is courtesy of Rugby365.com

I’m sure Chili will do just fine. 😎
He played very well whenever he came on as a sub during the S14.
i always thought chili rallapeli sounded like a french mexican dish. a spicy dish with aubergine, courgettes, tomato, onion, garlic and chili.
Add some Chourizo….and you’re on the money 😆
@try time (superrugby’s kryptonite is SANZAR) (Comment 2) : isn’t that Chillie Ratatouille?
@robdylan (Comment 4) : yeah it is, but i still think of that whenever i hear his name. i never said i was normal. i think i have proven that.
@try time (superrugby’s kryptonite is SANZAR) (Comment 5) : Your last posting on the “Bok team announced” sounds quite normal 😉
I’m amazed that Chili has done so well considering the inferior education he received at Pretoria Boys High. 🙄
@wpw (Comment 7) : it was nice having you here Wes…
@Charlie (Comment 6) : we all have moments of clarity. 😆 😆
@try time (superrugby’s kryptonite is SANZAR) (Comment 9) :
@wpw (Comment 7) : @robdylan (Comment 8) :
You guys are funny man.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 11) : oh, we try!