Rugby: Mallett keen to see key players back

JOHANNESBURG - South African rugby coach Nick Mallett will be an interested spectator this weekend as seven of his recent Springboks all look to stake their claims for inclusion in his squad for the upcoming home leg of the Tri-Nations tournament.

Joost van der Westhuizen, Henry Honiball, Andre Snyman, Ruben Kruger, James Dalton, Adrian arvey and Bobby Skinstad will all be chasing good performances in Currie Cup matches.

An injury-ravaged South Africa were thrashed 28-0 by New Zealand and 32-6 by Australia on the away leg of the Tri-Nations, and Mallett knows he will have to turn to some of the old guard to save face when the Springboks play the All Blacks in Pretoria on August 7.

Halfback van der Westhuizen, centre Snyman and flanker Kruger will be in action for the Blue Bulls against Boland at Minolta Loftus tomorrow.

All three have returned from long-term injuries at various times this season, and their experience and class ensures the Bulls go into the match against the Cavaliers as favourites.

Blue Bulls coach Eugene van Wyk was confident about the players' form.

"Andre has recovered completely from injury, while Joost is playing better in every match after his comeback," he said.

While Kruger is not believed to be in Mallett's immediate plans, more injury woes for South Africa among their loose forwards could spark a call-up for the Bulls' skipper.

In action again for Natal will be Springbok first five-eighths Honiball. His form in recent matches has been excellent following his return from an ankle injury, and he is sure to figure in Mallett's plans.

While Cobus Visagie has done a good job for South Africa in the front row, Mallett will also be monitoring the form of Sharks tighthead Adrian Garvey.

Garvey may not be renowned for his scrummaging prowess, but his high workrate marked him as a regular in the Springbok side last year. He will be thoroughly tested in Durban against Border powerhouse Heinrich Kok.

Lions hooker Dalton will be in action as captain of his province against North West. Dalton sat out the Super 12 with a groin injury, and Mallett could well turn to the 1995 World Cup and 1998 Tri-Nations hero to further beef up his tight five.

There will also be plenty of interest in Skinstad's return to action for Western Province against Free State.

He has been included on the bench after three months on the sidelines through an enforced layoff following a car crash, and is expected to play the last 20 minutes of the match.

Significantly, Province have also included Springbok wing Breyton Paulse at fullback. If Paulse performs well, he could well displace the out-of-form Percy Montgomery from the position in the national side. - NZPA