South Africa:The South African Rugby Union (SARU) confirmed yesterday the withdrawal of the outstanding number eight Pierre Spies from their Rugby World Cup squad.

SARU had sought a third medical opinion on blood clots on Spies's lungs that had led to his withdrawal from the squad a fortnight ago.

Bismarck du Plessis, who replaced him in the Springbok 30, was confirmed in the squad.

SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD:Backs: Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Andre Pretorius, Francois Steyn, Ashwin Willemse. Forwards: Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Gary Botha, Schalk Burger, Bismarck du Plessis, Os du Randt, Victor Matfield, Johann Muller, Danie Rossouw, Bob Skinstad, John Smit (captain), Juan Smith, Gurthro Steenkamp, Albert van den Berg, CJ van der Linde, Wikus van Heerden.