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Cape Town - Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says he won't risk playing hooker Bismarck du Plessis against Italy at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.
Du Plessis has been sidelined since last year with a knee injury but was included in Meyer's squad for the upcoming series involving Italy, Scotland and Samoa.
Meyer told Die Burger's website that the Sharks hooker could be considered for next weekend's Test against Scotland in Nelspruit.
GALLERY: Boks' Incoming Series
"We don't want to push him too early. He will be a very important player going forward. He has to improve his match fitness and will probably only be ready for the second Test," said Meyer.
Adriaan Strauss is expected to start at hooker on Saturday, with Chiliboy Ralepelle covering on the bench. Strauss could also captain the side as Jean de Villiers is struggling to recover from a troublesome hamstring.
The clash at Kings Park kicks off at 17:15 on Saturday.
HAVE YOUR SAY: What would be your starting XV to take on Italy? Send your thoughts to Sport24
Du Plessis has been sidelined since last year with a knee injury but was included in Meyer's squad for the upcoming series involving Italy, Scotland and Samoa.
Meyer told Die Burger's website that the Sharks hooker could be considered for next weekend's Test against Scotland in Nelspruit.
GALLERY: Boks' Incoming Series
"We don't want to push him too early. He will be a very important player going forward. He has to improve his match fitness and will probably only be ready for the second Test," said Meyer.
Adriaan Strauss is expected to start at hooker on Saturday, with Chiliboy Ralepelle covering on the bench. Strauss could also captain the side as Jean de Villiers is struggling to recover from a troublesome hamstring.
The clash at Kings Park kicks off at 17:15 on Saturday.
HAVE YOUR SAY: What would be your starting XV to take on Italy? Send your thoughts to Sport24
