/ 10 September 2007

Julies gets call to replace De Villiers

Blue Bulls inside centre Wayne Julies will join the Springbok World Cup squad in France after Jean de Villiers tore a bicep muscle in the match against Samoa on Sunday.

This was announced by the Blue Bulls on Monday, ending speculation that either Waylon Murray or Marius Joubert would be called up to bolster the Boks backline.

Julies has been outstanding for the Bulls in the Super 14 and a kingpin in the backline during the Currie Cup so far this season.

Julies made his debut for the Springboks in the 1999 World Cup against Spain and has played Super Rugby for the Cats, Stormers and Bulls.

The 28-year-old centre is a former South African Schools, South African under-21 and South African under-23 star and has played in ten Tests for South Africa.

Julies is expected to leave for Paris on Monday. — Sapa