South Africa delay team announcement
South Africa have delayed their team announcement for Saturday’s clash with England by 48 hours due to injuries.
Springboks coach Peter de Villiers was due to finalise his squad today but has not had “sufficient time to assess the injury situation and confirm the availability of players”.
De Villiers will name his team at 12.30pm on Thursday.
Hooker Bismarck du Plessis and prop Gurthro Steenkamp are both definitely out of Saturday’s World Cup final rematch after suffering hamstring and ankle injuries respectively in the Springboks’ 14-10 victory over Scotland at the weekend.
Scrum-half Fourie du Preez is a doubt after withdrawing from the Scotland game with a strained quadriceps muscle. His injury requires further assessment before a decision on his availability can be made.
Prop Brain Mujati has a bruised shoulder and Bryan Habana took a blow to the thigh but team doctor Craig Roberts expects both to be fit for selection.
Sharks prop Jannie du Plessis, who was called up on Sunday to cover for possible withdrawals in the front row, has joined the squad in London.
England manager Martin Johnson names his team at noon today.
