Coach plays down Krige absence

Springboks coach Rudolf Straeuli has played down fitness fears surrounding his World Cup captain Corne Krige.

Straeuli insisted Krige, who sits out Saturday's Pool C opener against Uruguay, will be fit for the Subiaco Oval showdown with England next week.

Krige was at the centre of some violent South African tactics against England at Twickenham last November, and earlier this week he described Martin Johnson as world rugby's dirtiest captain.

But flanker Krige's tournament entry has now been delayed by what Springbok officials termed "hamstring cramp".

Krige spent time with South Africa's physiotherapists, stretching his lower back after training on Monday, and has handed captaincy duties to Joost van der Westhuizen.

Blue Bulls back-row forward Danie Rossouw benefits from the Krige situation by packing down for his first cap alongside fellow flanker Joe van Niekerk and number eight Juan Smith.

Straeuli claimed Krige's problems were "not serious" and said: "He will definitely be ready to play next week."