LIKE a prodigal son returning to claim his rightful place, flyhalf Butch James has returned to reprise his World Cup-winning role of four years ago when he starts against the Wallabies in Durban tomorrow.
James last started a test at flyhalf against Italy in Witbank more than a year ago and won the last of his 40 Bok caps against Australia at Loftus last year. But now, with 28 days to the start of the World Cup, he has re-emerged as the first-choice pivot.
Morné Steyn has been relegated to the bench and is unlikely to reclaim the No 10 jersey again unless injury or catastrophic form fells James.
His uncompromising defence, willingness to play on the advantage line, deft hands and fierce competitiveness have won the trust of coach Peter de Villiers, even if his goal-kicking is not as metronomic as Steyn's.
The SA starting line-up is: 15 Frans Steyn, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 James, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Danie Rossouw, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Beast Mtawarira.
James snatches No 10 slot from Steyn
LIKE a prodigal son returning to claim his rightful place, flyhalf Butch James has returned to reprise his World Cup-winning role of four years ago when he starts against the Wallabies in Durban tomorrow.
James last started a test at flyhalf against Italy in Witbank more than a year ago and won the last of his 40 Bok caps against Australia at Loftus last year. But now, with 28 days to the start of the World Cup, he has re-emerged as the first-choice pivot.
Morné Steyn has been relegated to the bench and is unlikely to reclaim the No 10 jersey again unless injury or catastrophic form fells James.
His uncompromising defence, willingness to play on the advantage line, deft hands and fierce competitiveness have won the trust of coach Peter de Villiers, even if his goal-kicking is not as metronomic as Steyn's.
The SA starting line-up is: 15 Frans Steyn, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 James, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Danie Rossouw, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Beast Mtawarira.
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