Botha facing race against time to make Boks’ opener

VETERAN Bakkies Botha is a doubt for South Africa’s World Cup opener against Wales in Wellington on Sunday.

The big lock has an Achilles injury and should he be ruled out of the Pool D clash, Danie Rossouw is expected to slot in alongside Victor Matfield.

Number eight Pierre Spies believes Botha’s absence would not cause too much disruption for the Springboks or change the way the forwards approach the game.