5 Aug 2008

Montgomery may take over at 10 for Boks

11:39 am on 5 August 2008

South African rugby coach Peter de Villiers says veteran fullback Percy Montgomery will take over at first five eighth if Butch James is injured during the Tests against Argentina and the All Blacks in the next two weeks.

De Villiers surprised on Monday when he dropped World Cup stars Francois Steyn and Ruan Pienaar from his squad for the two games, leaving the Springboks without a specialist back-up to James.

De Villiers also dropped the prop Gurthro Steenkamp.

The coach says he wants the three players to get game time with their provinces and he can quickly recall them if neccessary.