South African minister spices Springbok selectors

By WYNNE GRAY in Cape Town

South Africa's Sports Minister has joined new coach Harry Viljoen as a controversial selector with a Springbok side expected to show multiple changes to start the Tri-Nations series against the All Blacks.

Ngconde Balfour's ideas about quotas in sport will help the return of midfield back Deon Kayser, though the minister's weekend comments that Cobus Visagie was a "drug cheat" will not prevent the prop's return.

Nine changes are expected to the side which beat Italy 60-14 in their most recent match, with Visagie the biggest comeback after failing a drugs test last year before having his appeal upheld.

Visagie will be joined by another recent reject, Robbie Kempson.

But the Sports Ministry's strong attitude towards transformation and the inexperience of Marius Joubert seems to have opened the way for Kayser to combine with Robbie Fleck in midfield.

Kayser, Breyton Paulse and Conrad Jantjes will make up the black player contingent. Coach Viljoen is reported to be uncertain about his choice at first five-eighths between Butch James or Braam van Straaten. The possibility of slippery conditions favours van Straaten.

Other projected changes include Percy Montgomery at fullback, Dean Hall on the wing, Joost van der Westhuizen at halfback and Victor Matfield to combine with the veteran Mark Andrews at lock.

Deposed skipper Andre Vos appears headed for the bench, with his place going to Corne Krige in the loose forward trio led by new skipper Bobby Skinstad.

Likely team: Percy Montgomery, Breyton Paulse, Robbie Fleck, Deon Kayser, Dean Hall, Butch James or Braam van Straaten, Joost van der Westhuizen, Bobby Skinstad (capt), Andre Venter, Corne Krige, Victor Matfield, Mark Andrews, Cobus Visagie, Lucas van Biljon, Robbie Kempson.