Rugby: Bok stars missing for All Black test

By Wynne Gray

Two of the Springboks' most dangerous attackers, halfback Joost van der Westhuizen and loose forward Bobby Skinstad, will not play against the All Blacks in their opening Tri-Nations rugby match next month.

Springbok coach Nick Mallett is determined to hold the pair back until they have regained full match fitness after injury blighted their Super 12 seasons.

His priority is to prime the pair for the World Cup, and he feels the best scheme is to rehabilitate them in the Currie Cup rather than the test arena.

After tests against Samoa and France, the All Blacks start their Tri-Nations calendar against the Springboks in Dunedin on July 10. Skinstad and van der Westhuizen will miss that match, while there are also some doubts also about the fitness of test regulars Mark Andrews, Henry Honiball, Os du Randt and Andre Snyman.

That quartet are all mending after injury and may not take any part in the Boks' opening two internationals against Italy and the following test against Wales.

But for van der Westhuizen and Skinstad the layoff is definitely longer.

"Once we return from Australasia [Tri-Nations] I will reassess the squad," said Mallett. "If I feel the injured players are ready to come back into the equation they will be considered. The World Cup is the priority."

Van der Westhuizen had a knee reconstruction after being injured late last year, and while he has resumed training he has yet to play for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup.

Skinstad also hurt his knee, in a car accident more than a month ago, and has targeted late July for his return to the Currie Cup. Test rugby is probably out until August.

"The rehabilitation is going well but there is no pressure on me to rush my return."