Wynand Olivier has been called up to the Springbok squad in Bloemfontein as cover for Adi Jacobs, who has a groin injury.
De Villiers concerned about reffing at the breakdown
Blue Bulls centre Wynand Olivier has been called up to the Springbok squad in Bloemfontein as cover for Adi Jacobs, who has a groin injury.
The Springboks' only injury problems ahead of their opening Tri-Nations match against New Zealand on Saturday are in the midfield - Adi Jacobs is struggling with a groin injury and Jaque Fourie also has a niggle.
Jacobs is being monitored by the South African medical team ahead of Tuesday's announcement of the team to face the All Blacks.
Olivier joined the squad on Monday as a precaution if Jacobs in not passed to play.
"They are still working with Adi. He is basically the only player our medical staff are working with," Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said.
"Jaque Fourie also receives provisional treatment. I'll know more when the doctors tell me later."
De Villiers will make a decision on Jacobs' availability for Saturday's Test after his medical staff have made a full assessment.
Competing
The fact that the two centres were competing for the same jersey did not seem to bother De Villiers, who was more concerned with the All Blacks' form. The coach said he didn't consider his side favourites heading into the match.
"We would love to be the underdogs," he added. "We didn't write off the All Blacks. I don't know who wrote them off. We always knew that they were a good rugby side, as they showed on Saturday against the Wallabies (when they won 22-16 in Auckland).
"If you think you can pitch up for 60 or 70 minutes against the All Blacks then you're at the wrong place."
De Villiers will have a talk with referee Alain Rolland before the match about his view on the breakdowns.
"The breakdown will always be a concern," he said, "there are too many grey areas there."
The Springbok team for Saturday's Test will be announced in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
