Springboks seek respite from racism rumpus

Overshadowed by the spectre of racism in recent weeks, the Springbok rugby side will be looking to lift their spirits when they get down to business in their first warm-up match for the World Cup against provincial side Free State in Bloemfontein.

The match on Tuesday is the first of two in eight days – the next being against the Falcons next week in Springs – as coach Rudolf Straeuli looks to lift the cloud of uncertainty over his side with two good performances before heading to Australia.

Straeuli will be hoping to move on from the talk of racism and the King Commission which has dominated his side’s preparations and focus on the formation of a team who can take on England on October 18 in the game which will shape both side’s campaigns at the showpiece tournament.

“We have done a lot of planning around the World Cup and obviously we have certain ideas on the kind of combinations that we should be playing against England,” said Straeuli.

“Of importance at the moment is using these two warm-up games to give each of the 30 squad members sufficient game time.

“Over the past few weeks we have been hard at work on our fitness and conditioning and it is now vital that we test the squad under match conditions.

“Once these two warm-up games are over we will be better placed to refine our selections for the opening two games of the Rugby World Cup, against Uruguay on the 11th and England on the 18th.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that four Bok squad players will be included on the Cheetahs bench tomorrow.

Cheetahs coach Peet Kleynhans has agreed to a request from the Bok coach to give wingers Breyton Paulse and Stefan Terblanche, fullback Ricardo Laubscher and flanker Schalk Burger Jnr a run during the match.

“With just two games we want to be able to give all of the player a fair amount of time the park,” said Straeuli.

“Peet understands the situation and it is great that he has agreed to include the guys on his bench.”

The Boks will also field nine players on their bench, being Dale Santon, Lawrence Sephaka, Faan Rautenbach, Danie Rossouw, Hendro Scholtz, Neil de Kock, Derick Hougaard, De Wet Barry and Jaque Fourie.

“The only two guys who will not be involved are hooker Danie Coetzee, who needs a rest after playing in all of the tests so far this season, and Bakkies Botha, who is currently under suspension. There were a few concerns over Faan Rautenbach, who has had bronchitis, but he has recovered well and should be fit to play,” said Straeuli.

The Cheetahs starting XV is at full strength but with the team still very much in the running in the Currie Cup they will most likely make use of most of the 17 players warming the bench.

The Boks will tackle the Cheetahs wearing the hi-tech jerseys which have been developed especially for the Rugby World Cup. As this is not an official test, the Boks will turn out in white instead of green, with the Cheetahs wearing orange jerseys.