Butch on standby in event of further injury

Jaco van der Westhuyzen is expected to be confirmed fit for Saturday's Test against Scotland, but Butch James is waiting in the wings in the event of another Springbok withdrawal.

Van der Westhuyzen was put through rigorous exercises to gauge the severity of the injury to his right ankle on Sunday, and a decision on his availability for Saturday's Test is expected on Monday.

Springbok communications manager Mark Keohane confirmed that James would be the logical replacement should Van der Westhuyzen fail to come through.

With Louis Koen as the only recognised flyhalf in the 24-man squad, Van der Westhuyzen is supposed to provide cover should the former fail to complete the Test against the Scots.

With Andre Pretorius, Brent Russell and Werner Greeff out injured, James does present a strong case as the next in line.

According to Keohane, however, Van der Westhuyzen should be able to take his place on Saturday.

"He's walking just fine. He took part in training with the rest of the squad this morning (Sunday) and he will train this afternoon. That is obviously part of his fitness test because Rudolf (Straeuli) wanted to see him in team structure. The final call on him will be made tomorrow (Monday)," Keohane stressed.

Should Van der Westhuyzen fail to convince the management of his battle readiness, Sharks fullback Ricardo Loubscher is likely to start in the last line of defence, while James will be assured of a place on the bench. Only captain Joost van der Westhuizen and Koen are assured of places in the starting XV.

Ashwin Willemse and Stefan Terblanche will be the most likely starters on the wing, with the former set to operate down the left flank.

They are the only fulltime wingers in the squad. The experienced Andre Snyman is the favourite to start at outside centre at his home ground, with his teammate Trevor Halstead occupying the inside lane to take the No 12 jumper.

Among the forwards Richard Bands, Lawrence Sephaka and Danie Coetzee could make up the front row, while Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield will in all probability run out as the chosen second row.

The strong Bulls presence in the pack is further illustrated by the possible inclusion of Wikus van Heerden and Pedrie Wannenburg in the backrow alongside the only fetcher in the squad, Hendrik Gerber.

The players on the bench are likely to consist of James, Gcobani Bobo, Craig Davidson, Jaun Smith, Selborne Boome, Rob Kempson and Hanyani Shimange.

Centre Marius Joubert and tighthead prop Cobus Visagie may have to sit out the first Test.