Butch rested for Italy Test

2008-06-17 14:29

Cape Town - Springbok flyhalf Butch James will not be considered for Saturday's Test against Italy at Newlands.

This was confirmed on Tuesday by manager of national teams at Saru, Andy Marinos, who said James had been allowed to return home for the week. He has carried a heavy playing load since the Rugby World Cup and Bok coach Peter de Villiers felt it was in the player's best interests to be given a week off. He has no injury and is being rested.

Other players who will not be involved against Italy are Percy Montgomery who has returned to Perpignan for their French Top 14 semi-final with Clermont on Friday.

JP Pietersen has been released to the Sharks and is available for their Currie Cup encounter with Western Province on Friday.

Danie Rossouw underwent surgery for an ingrown toenail and is out of action for 10 days. He has therefore been allowed to return home.

John Smit has returned to Clermont for their French Top 14 semi-final with Perpignan.

Pierre Spies returned to Johannesburg on Monday for a routine follow-up with the specialist who has treated him for the medical condition that kept him out of the World Cup last year.

There has been no recurrence of the problem and the appointment is a routine follow-up. A decision on whether Spies will return to the squad before the Italy Test will be made in the next 48 hours.

- SAPA