Rugby:Bath outhalf Butch James is a notable absentee from the South Africa bench for this week's Tri Nations encounter against Australia in Bloemfontein. The 40-cap Springbok was one of three players with injuries after the 44-31 win over the Wallabies at the weekend.
Jannie du Plessis and Flip van der Merwe were also carrying knocks, although James was reportedly the biggest concern for the world champions. Prop Du Plessis has been named in the XV by coach Peter de Villiers, while lock Van der Merwe has to make do with a place on the bench with veteran Danie Rossouw given preference.
It is the only change to the starting line-up, while James’ place amongst the replacements goes to Gio Aplon.
Meanwhile, South African rugby player Bees Roux, charged with the murder of a policeman, has been released on bail. Roux, a prop for Super 14 champions the Bulls, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of beating the police officer to death.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said the national squad supported Roux “100 per cent”.
"Nothing must stand in our way between now and the World Cup and the players have to be strong enough to deal with all kinds of psychological issues and domestic circumstances,'' the coach told South African media.
''For instance, how will the Bees Roux tragedy affect those who know him well? We must deal with everything that comes our way. . . We feel for all South Africans, especially rugby players, and while we do not defend the act [of Roux], we sympathise with the tragedy.
''It is an unfortunate reality that these things can happen to anybody. The team supports Bees 100 per cent, not on the deed, but rather on the circumstances that led to the situation developing.''
Police said the officer was found lying in a street of the South African capital Pretoria in the early hours of Friday. The officer was taken to hospital but died due to extensive injuries. Roux, who claims he acted in self-defence when he thought he was being robbed, will plead not guilty to the charge of murder.