Bok star: Veil of secrecy

2007-11-13 06:51

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - Springbok star Victor Matfield's availability for the South African rugby team's tour of Wales and England is in doubt, while a freak accident in the kitchen has ruled Springbok prop Gurthrö Steenkamp out of the tour.

Informed sources have revealed that Matfield was not among the players who reported for a training camp in Johannesburg on Monday.

SA Rugby administrators are apparently considering "a request" from the Bulls lock forward, but the matter is being kept behind a veil of secrecy.

Peter Jooste, convener of the national selection committee, said on Monday evening he would comment only after discussions with Springbok coach Jake White.

Jooste, White and the third selector, Ian McIntosh, could also face other worries, such as injuries among the flanks and loosehead props.

Matfield was one of South Africa's outstanding players during the successful World Cup campaign.

He dominated the lineouts and is regarded as one of the world's best in this department.

Whether the Springboks really need Matfield for the Cardiff Test match against a Welsh team of average strength, and for the friendly against the Barbarians at Twickenham a week later, remains to be seen.

With or without Matfield, the World Cup champions will be the overwhelming favourites to beat Wales on November 24.

Hendrik Cronjé reports from Bloemfontein that a freak accident in the kitchen has ruled Springbok prop forward Gurthrö Steenkamp out of the tour.

Steenkamp needed surgery on Monday after severing tendons in his hand.

"I slipped in the kitchen and cut the tendons," Steenkamp explained. "It is a huge disappointment."

The Cheetahs forward is the logical successor after Os du Randt's decision to retire after the World Cup final.

The Springboks depart for Wales on Friday for what is seen as Jake White's farewell tour.

Jooste said on Monday Steenkamp?s injury was a huge setback after Du Randt's retirement.

Jooste and White were due to discuss the possibility of a replacement prop on Monday night.

Loosehead prop Heinke van der Merwe, of the Lions, has already joined the squad of 26 players and another uncapped prop, Free State's Wian du Preez, could be called up to report in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Du Preez has been a star at Super 14 and Currie Cup level for the past three years.

The selectors can also consider the experienced Lawrence Sephaka to replace Steenkamp.

- Die Burger