Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Bakkies Botha is likely to make his return to the Springbok team for their clash against Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday.
As it happened: Wales v SA
Botha, 34, was recalled to the Bok squad for their end-of-year tour but was not included in the 23-man line-up for last week's Test against Wales in Cardiff as he only joined them last Tuesday evening.
Bok coach Heyneke Meyer told Die Burger's website that he is likely to call on Botha this weekend.
"There is a good chance that Bakkies will start. We want to see what he can do for us. He's been very influential since he arrived. You could see how guys like Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit look up to him," said Meyer.
Botha, who currently plays for French club Toulon, last played for the Boks at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand two years ago.
Meyer also said he would take a few selection risks for the Scotland Test. With the game being played on Sunday - and the following weekend's one against France on a Saturday - it gives the team relatively short time to recuperate for what will be a tough last outing at the Stade de France.
"We'll have to think long and hard about the team. The priority is obviously to win and secondly there's also the issue of having only five days before the Test against France.
"We'll have to take calculated risks. Not only to make sure that the players are 100% for the game against Scotland, but also for the game against France.
"The plan will be worked out in detail. But the team must be strong enough to beat Scotland."
Sunday's clash at Murrayfield kicks off at 17:00 (SA time).
As it happened: Wales v SA
Botha, 34, was recalled to the Bok squad for their end-of-year tour but was not included in the 23-man line-up for last week's Test against Wales in Cardiff as he only joined them last Tuesday evening.
Bok coach Heyneke Meyer told Die Burger's website that he is likely to call on Botha this weekend.
"There is a good chance that Bakkies will start. We want to see what he can do for us. He's been very influential since he arrived. You could see how guys like Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit look up to him," said Meyer.
Botha, who currently plays for French club Toulon, last played for the Boks at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand two years ago.
Meyer also said he would take a few selection risks for the Scotland Test. With the game being played on Sunday - and the following weekend's one against France on a Saturday - it gives the team relatively short time to recuperate for what will be a tough last outing at the Stade de France.
"We'll have to think long and hard about the team. The priority is obviously to win and secondly there's also the issue of having only five days before the Test against France.
"We'll have to take calculated risks. Not only to make sure that the players are 100% for the game against Scotland, but also for the game against France.
"The plan will be worked out in detail. But the team must be strong enough to beat Scotland."
Sunday's clash at Murrayfield kicks off at 17:00 (SA time).
