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Cape Town - Blue Bulls executive of rugby John Mitchell will not select Springboks Handre Pollard and Rudy Paige for their Currie Cup match against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
The duo were released from the Springbok squad earlier this week, with coach Allister Coetzee looking to give some players game time in the Currie Cup.
However, Mitchell has stated that he will not include them when he names his side on Thursday.
“They are not going to play this weekend. I was very clear about that and they understand that,” Mitchell told Netwerk24.
“The cohesion and growth of the team takes preference at this stage. We have to get more continuity so that we can play more as a unit. There were far too many changes in the last while due to factors out of our control. But they can also still prepare very well for Test week by training with us in the training week."
Other Springboks released for Currie Cup duty this weekend include the Western Province trio of Damian de Allende (centre), Dillyn Leyds (utility back) and Wilco Louw (prop), as well as Sharks duo Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker) and Dan du Preez (loose forward).
The Bulls are currently struggling in the Currie Cup and sit second from bottom on the log standings, with only three wins from eight matches.
