Fourie could have played against Scots
White takes the cautious route
Springbok centre Jaque Fourie could have played in the second Test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, but Bok coach Jake White and his medical staff opted for the cautious route, deciding not to risk aggravating his rib injury.
The Boks will field a new midfield pairing of rookie Wynand Olivier (No.12) and veteran André Snyman (No.13), after rib injuries ruled out Jean de Villiers and Fourie.
Olivier made his Bok debut when he came on as a second-half replacement for De Villiers in the 36-16 win over Scotland in Durban last Saturday. He will start his first Test in PE.
But Fourie injured his ribs in a freak training accident on Tuesday, which opened the door for an out-of-sorts Snyman to move from left-wing to outside centre – where he played most of his previous 37 Tests.
It has been revealed that Fourie is expected to be back before De Villiers, even though both suffered "cracked" ribs.
"It is a funny thing. It has been explained to me by the doctor that while Jean's injury will sideline him for a while [three to five weeks], Jaque could be back a lot quicker," White said.
"Jaque's injury is already starting to heal. If we were playing a World Cup Final on Saturday, we could at a push select him for the team and hope for the best.
"But we have the Tri-Nations starting in a couple of weeks, and it would not be wise to risk him now. He may be back for the French Test.
"At the same time, this provides us with an opportunity to try out a new midfield pairing. Wynand and André can make a big statement by playing well for us against Scotland," added White.
