No rest for the Rebel Sport Super 14 winning captain

Victorious Bulls captain Victor Matfield and fullback Zane Kirchner will fly to Cardiff to join the Springboks squad, as injuries and politics have forced the withdrawal of two players.

After coach Peter de Villiers had hoped to run out a largely experimental side with foreign based players, circumstances have forced him to look to the Bulls for cover, and he will not be happy that he may have to play South Africa’s first choice lock.

Matfield will replace Andries Bekker – the man many believe should partner Matfield as the Springboks front line second row – who injured his foot in the Stormers loss to the Bulls in the Super 14 final.

Meanwhile Butch James, hoping too end a two year exile from Springboks, has seen his hopes to play Wales dashed by Premier Rugby, the governing body of English domestic rugby.

Bath extended their right to keep their contracted former South African international, since the match against Wales falls outside the recognised International Rugby Board test window.

More Stories: | All Blacks | ITM Cup | Super Rugby | Heartland