Springbok captain Andre Vos has been axed as captain of South Africa's national squad and will be replaced by Bobby Skinstad, coach Harry Viljoen has announced. Viljoen said the decision was one of the "toughest of his career", but said it was critical to his plans for the 2003 World Cup.

"It was an extremely difficult decision to make. It is without a doubt the toughest rugby decision I have had to take in my coaching career," he was quoted as saying.

The Springboks are preparing for a Test match against Italy on Saturday. Viljoen said he saw a new role for Vos as a specialist open-side flanker.

"We had a frank discussion and he understood I could give him no guarantees. He, rightly, felt that there was no way he could continue in the role of captain if his place was under threat."