WEDNESDAY, 1.00PM:
ANDRE JOUBERT is back in the Springbok team as a replacement for the injured Russel Bennett. Joubert was suprisingly overlooked when the team was announced to face Australia in a Tri-nations Test on Saturday.
Springbok coach Carel du Plessis said it was an easy decision to call him back because he was on standby from the start. “His experience will mean a lot to other players and he should fit in without any problems,” said Du Plessis.
Joubert, who earlier expressed his desire to represent his country once again, said: “Carel has given me a new lease of life, I was disappointed after being left out on Sunday, because I was a hundred percent fit and playing as well as I have ever done.”
Australian coach Greg Smith who has high praises for Joubert, said: “He will add a touch of class to the Springbok team.” Australian captain John Eales said: “He is a very handy player and his record speaks for itself,” he said. “His performance over the last few years has been outstanding.”
Meanhile, Krynauw Otto was also ruled out of the team becuase of a torn rib cartilage. Otto will be replaced by Fritz van Heerden.
The starting line-up might undergo another change if James Small, who is down with flu, is ruled out. Small was due to arrive at the team hotel on Tuesday evening.
THE SQUAD: Andre Joubert, James Small, Percy Montgomery, Henry Honiball, Andre Snyman, Jannie de Beer, Joost van der Westhuizen, Gary Teichmann (captain), Johan Erasmus, Warren Brosnihan, Fritz van Heerden, Mark Andrews, Marius Hurter, James Dalton, Os du Randt. RESERVES: Pieter Rossouw, Werner Swanepoel, Franco Smith, Dawie Theorn, Naka Drotske, Hannes Strydom.