White prepared to compromise

South Africa coach Jake White could back down from his threat to exclude several Springboks from the November tour if they play in the Currie Cup competition this year.

White met with the Blue Bulls on Wednesday and appeared happy afterwards despite the province’s decision to pick wing Bryan Habana and lock Victor Matfield to play against Griquas this weekend.

White will meet the Sharks on Thursday, who will play Percy Montgomery and John Smit despite a request that they be rested from action.

Province will also use midfielder Jean de Villiers and Joe van Niekerk against White’s wishes.

However, White claims to understand the club’s viewpoints after his meeting with the Bulls.

“I will have to look at each case individually and if the player needs rest, then we will enforce it,” White said.

“It wasn’t a confrontational meeting. We both explained our positions and I have a new understanding for the way they feel.

“For instance, it was explained to me that there is a contractual obligation for these players to play for their province and that changes everything. The problem we have is we can’t keep on saying ’next year’ and ’next year’. We need to put plans in place soon.

“England are the world champions and they have a 12-week period where players can recondition and recover and build on areas of weakness. That’s all I am asking for. We will make a decision after our meeting with the Sharks, but we will have to consider all aspects.”