Boks recall Steyn and lose Botha
Monday 11th August 2008


The Springboks have recalled Francois Steyn back from a week's duty for the Sharks for Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks at Newlands while Danie Rossouw replaces injured Bulls team-mate Bakkies Botha and Jongi Nokwe drops out of the matchday 22.

Head Coach Peter de Villiers sent Steyn back to the Sharks along with team-mates Ruan Piennaar and Odwa Ndungane to "get more game time."

With centre Jaques Fourie facing surgery for a fractured cheek bone, a place in the squad opened up for Steyn, but Piennaar and Ndungane will have to continue to try convince De Villiers' of their worth in the Currie Cup. Fourie is expected to be out for six weeks.

With star wing Bryan Habana fit again, Nokwe drops out of the Matchday 22.

The Cheetahs speedster had a great game against Argentina, scoring a fabulous try and has been asked to remain with the squad to "continue to make him part of the Springbok environment" since his province does not have a game this weekend, team manager Andy Marinos told the press in Cape Town on Monday.

News was not so good for lock Bakkies Botha who has ligament damage to his knee and will be out of action for a few months at least.

"We're going to adopted a conservative management process with [Botha]," said Marinos.

"That means he will not be undergoing any surgery, rather he will undergo extensive rehabilitating to strengthen the muscles around the knee and hopefully he will be fit for the end of year tour."

Rossouw has been called in to replace Botha despite spending Friday evening in hospital with a minor concern.

He was released on Saturday, and like Steyn who suffered a bump in the Sharks game against Western Province, did not take part in training with the Springboks on Monday but both players are expected to be in full swing on Tuesday.

De Villiers added that he had been informed that Sharks captain Johan Muller is injured and was therefore not considered for selection.

Marinos confirmed that the rest of the Springbok squad sre fully fit.

Peter de Villiers will announce his the Springbok team to face the All Blacks on Tuesday.