Boks hit by withdrawals

World champions South Africa have been hit hard by injuries ahead of their season-ending tour to the United Kingdom this month.

Already without retired veterans Os du Randt and Bob Skinstad, who have both retired, the World Cup winners will tour to Europe at the end of this week without a number of other star players.

Percy Montgomery, Jean de Villiers, BJ Botha all suffered injuries during the World Cup and on Monday prop Gurthro Steenkamp, Wikus van Heerden and Danie Rossouw were also ruled out of the trip.

There names have been added to the likes of Gary Botha, Ashwin Willemse and Butch James who will not make the tour, as their new clubs in England and France have refused to release them.

The Springboks face Wales in Cardiff on November 24, and then finish with a match against the Barbarians at Twickenham on December 1.

It will be coach Jake White's final tour with the Springboks. White is stepping down from his position at the end of the year.

The Springboks selectors have called up Bulls flanker Hilton Lobberts, as well as uncapped players, the Sharks' loose forward Ryan Kankowski and the Cheetahs' loosehead prop Wian du Preez to travel with the squad.

South Africa captain John Smit, who now plays for Clermont in France, is expected to join up with his team-mates in Wales next Monday. (Is he? I think this may be superseded??)

There is concern that stalwart lock forward Victor Matfield, who heads to France at the beginning of next year to run out for Toulon, may opt out of the tour. There is also doubt about the fitness of half-back Fourie du Preez.

The Springboks leave for Wales on Friday.

South Africa squad:

John Smit (captain)???, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Fourie du Preez, Wian du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Conrad Jantjes, Ricky Januarie, Wayne Julies, Ryan Kankowski, Hilton Lobberts, Victor Matfield, Johann Muller, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Andre Pretorius, Juan Smith, Francois Steyn, Albert van den Berg, CJ van der Linde, Heinke van der Merwe.

- AFP