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Bekker and James out of Test side

THE Springboks' preparation for Saturday's Test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff has suffered another hiccup.

THE Springboks' preparation for Saturday's Test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff has suffered another hiccup.

Despite having only a couple of days to prepare for the match, the side will now have to do without the services of lock Andries Bekker and midfielder Butch James.

Bekker left with the side on Sunday night already battered and bruised from the Super 14 final, but an injury to his foot has ruled him out of Saturday's game.

For James, it is a blow to his comeback hopes in the green and gold jersey and a chance to impress the selectors ahead of a tough international calendar and obviously the World Cup next year in New Zealand.

Playing his rugby for the past three years in the UK, his club Bath have objected to his participating in the match according to International Rugby Board rules.

Called up to do duty for the two are the Bulls' Victor Matfield and Zane Kirchner.

While Matfield will probably get a run-on roll with the side, Kirchner may sit on the bench and come on later in the game as a replacement. The revised line-up will be confirmed later today.

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