WEDNESDAY, 1.30PM:
SPRINGBOK rugby coach Carel du Plessis said on Wednesday that fullback Andre Joubert should “have a rethink” about his rugby career, and should “maybe start planning” his retirement”. Joubert was not named in the squad that will tour Australia and New Zealand later this season, though Du Plessis said he had been considered.
Du Plessis said: “When and whether he decides to stop playing rugby, it will be his decision, but it is far too soon to start speculating. He has been in the game for such a long time and has done so well. When a player gets to that stage, he maybe should start planning and have a rethink. It is his choice and it does not influence me.”
Joubert will play for Natal on Saturday in a Currie Cup match against the Gauteng Falcons at King’s Park stadium.
Natal
: Andre Joubert, Shaun Payne, Jeremy Thomson, Pieter Muller, Joos Joubert, David Knox, Kevin Putt, Dieter Kriese, Wayne Fyvie (captain), Wickus van Heerden, Steve Atherton, John Slade, Andre-Henri le Roux, Dannie van der Walt, Rob kempson, Reserves: Gavin Lawless, Errol Stewart, Hentie Martens, John Welborn, Dave Morkel, Chris Pearson.
Gauteng Lions
: Piet Matthys, Gert Peens, Peet Smith, Eugene, Meyer, Len van Riet, Jaco Viljoen, Jacques van Niekerk, Nigel Pickford, Naas Rossouw, De Wet Strydom, Golie Gouws, Don van Riet, Johan le Roux, Jan Bosch, Ian Hattingh.
Reserves
: Gordon Frasca, Porta Hoffman, Duane Willemse, Wikus Lock, Gunder Williamson, Hennie Pieterse.