Habana in race against time

2008-08-25 15:53

Johannesburg - Rugby World Cup star Bryan Habana could be fit for Saturday's second home Tri-Nations Test against Australia in Johannesburg when the Springboks will try and secure only their second victory of their six Tri-Nations Tests of 2008.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers on Monday said that Habana was making good progress after a hamstring tear against the All Blacks at Newlands nine days ago.

But, off-setting the positive is the fact that JP Pietersen, who was disappointing in the losing Test against the Wallabies on Saturday, is definitely out. He has a grade one hamstring strain.

If Habana cannot play on Saturday, Odwa Ndungane will probably be recalled.

Results on the injuries to Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira and Victor Matfield will only be known later on Monday, but it looks certain that Butch James (knock to the knee) and Juan Smith (shoulder) will be available for the match.

Depending on the outcome of CJ van der Linde's disciplinary hearing which will be known on Monday afternoon, World Cup winner Jannie du Plessis will be added to the squad.

De Villiers has indicated that a minimum number of changes will be made. "There are some tough decisions to make," he said, adding that he had all weekend to run the various scenarios through his head. He added that he didn't want to take actions that can be construed as panicking and said that the players making the mistakes were those the Boks were depending on.

- SAPA