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Wales v South Africa
De Viliers happy to gamble on Botha fitness
PA Sport
November 4, 2008
De Villiers' side take on Wales in Cardiff on Saturday in the opening match of their tour
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South Africa coach Peter de Villiers admitted he was "prepared for all eventualities" after taking a gamble on the fitness of Bakkies Botha for Saturday's Test against Wales in Cardiff. Botha made a surprise return to the starting line-up named by De Villiers on Tuesday, just 24 hours after team doctor Craig Roberts said the player would only be able to play for around 30 minutes given his current fitness levels. The 29-year-old lock has been out since August with a knee ligament injury picked up against Argentina, but De Villiers has decided to take a risk with his fitness after he impressed in recent training sessions. "He looks to be in good shape and we're prepared to take a chance with him in the starting line-up. We'll see how he does," said De Villiers. "We are prepared if we have to take him off and we're prepared for all eventualities." Elsewhere in De Villiers' starting XV, Tendai Mtawarira will partner Bismarck du Plessis and captain John Smit in the front row while Pierre Spies is preferred to Ryan Kankowski at number eight. Smit said of his switch to the tighthead berth: "It's a major challenge for me, and one I am looking forward to. I'm aware I'm coming up against a strong loosehead in Gethin [Jenkins] and he's likely to be a tough opponent. But that's what makes the challenge greater." In all, De Villiers made five changes to the side which thumped Australia 53-8 in the Tri-Nations two months ago. His selection also comprises 11 of the team that beat Wales in two Tests in June. The match will be the 23rd Test between South Africa and Wales since 1906, and is the third and final encounter of the Prince William Cup, which the Springboks secured back in June with wins in Bloemfontein and Pretoria. Ricky Januarie is the only bench survivor from the Australia Test, with Ruan Pienaar graduating to the starting XV, Danie Rossouw omitted from the matchday 22, Percy Montgomery retired and Adriaan Strauss, Jannie du Plessis and Luke Watson not in the touring squad. © Scrum.com
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