South Africa will not be able to field winger Bryan Habana for the final match of the 2006 Tri-Nations against Australia after Habana was concussed during the Springboks 21-20 win over New Zealand last Saturday in Rustenburg.
It is expected that his injury will open the way for Sharks and South Africa Under-21 full-back JP Pietersen to make his full debut. He toured NZ and Australia earlier in the season but did not get any match time.
Springbok coach Jake White has however been practicing with centre Wynand Olivier on the wing and with Jaque Fourie moving from full-back back into the centre where he prefers to play.
“There are opportunities with backs that have just joined us and it is nice that we can try a thing or two this Saturday,” said White.
“Josh Lewsey plays centre for Wasps and wing for England. Look at Lote Tuqiri, who has played at centre and wing for Australia.
“Where the backs are playing now is one of the secrets of rugby going forward no matter what number you play – you can interchange the backs but you have to make sure you have the right options.”
Prop Os Du Randt didn’t train on Wednesday but he is is expected to play in Saturday’s match against the Wallabies. The Full Springbok team will be named on Wednesday.
