White in talks with Skinstad
2006-11-20 21:58
London - Springbok coach Jake White is to hold talks with former Springboks Bob Skinstad and Cobus Visagie and another experienced South African player, Jake Boer, in London.
Former star loose forward Skinstad now plays for Richmond and Visagie is a stalwart in the Saracens front row. Boer, a Gloucester flanker, has been in England for a number of years.
"I'm not making any promises. I'm only going to talk to them," White said here on Monday.
He would not elaborate about the discussions, but it is likely that he will consult them about local conditions with a view to the World Cup tournament in France at the end of next year.
However, there must be a tiny possibility that the names of these players could be added to those on the short list to be considered for the World Cup tournament.
Or at least Visagie's name.
Local experts regard Visagie as the strongest scrummager in the English Premier League.
Pretorius back at flyhalf
He also proved his value when he produced an outstanding performance for a World XV against the Springboks early this year.
Meanwhile, it seems as if André Pretorius will be back at flyhalf when the SA team for the second Test against England is selected on Tuesday.
Pretorius, who played against Ireland and replaced the injured Butch James against England, could be in the starting line-up for the Twickenham rematch.
James is on his way home after a fine performance before he injured his knee.
There was speculation earlier this week that Frans Steyn, who played on the wing against Ireland and at fullback last week, would be given an opportunity at flyhalf.
However, in the interests of consistency, White is expected to make only the one change by bringing back Pretorius.
It he is recalled, Pretorius will have to grab the opportunity.
He seems to lack confidence on heavy and wet grounds in Europe, but he can prove that he should be in the World Cup squad next year.
James was devastated by the knee injury that forced him to leave the field in the 57th minute of the Test last Saturday, just when it seemed he was going to steer the South Africans to victory.
But, everything crumbled when he went off and England won the match 23-21.
"It was my best performance in the Springbok jersey," James said on Monday.
"I hurt the knee early in the match. I might have been able to play a little longer, but I did not want to take the risk."
England also received bad news on Monday.
Flyhalf Charlie Hodgson and loosehead prop Andrew Sheridan, who are club mates at Sale, will not play at Test level again this season.
Hodgson has a knee injury and Sheridan hurt an ankle on Saturday. Both will have surgery this week.