Jean back in Bok camp
Jean de Villiers returned to the Springbok camp yesterday after completing 80 minutes for Western Province against the EP Kings on Saturday. The Bok skipper is in line for a Test recall against Argentina in Durban on August 8 after a slow comeback following a career-threatening knee injury sustained against Wales in November.But WP coach John Dobson was selective in his praise of De Villiers and cautioned that the 106-Test veteran has not yet reached his own high standards."Jean insisted on playing 80 minutes against the Kings, so he went to the wing on the hour because we wanted to look at other centre options," Dobson said."He was really happy with the way he could accelerate, and he could have scored but dropped a ball. He was definitely sharper this week."Jean left us to join the Boks yesterday - he wasn't sure if he would be picked against Argentina, but that was just him being modest I think."To be brutally honest, if you watched that game [against the Kings], you wouldn't think that Jean is a world leading centre. But his progression is significant every week."What isn't in doubt is his appetite, energy and bravery but, by his own admission, he still has a way to go."Bok coach Heyneke Meyer will welcome some experienced players back into the selection frame after his team threw away leads in the final 10 minutes of both their Rugby Championship games in the past fortnight.The Boks lost 24-20 to Australia in Brisbane and then slumped to a 27-20 defeat against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.South Africa dominated large parts of both games but failed to kill their opposition off, which ultimately cost them against two vastly more experienced teams.Meyer hinted that lock Pieter-Steph du Toit could also be back in the selection frame for the clash against the Pumas.The coach is still seeking a back- up No5 to Victor Matfield and he is fast running out of time."Pieter could have played 10 to 15 minutes against the All Blacks," Meyer said.Matfield should be over his hamstring injury, but management might choose to keep him away from what will be a massively physical encounter against Argentina, with the World Cup only five weeks after that.Lood de Jager has come through sensationally in the past two weeks after a long lay-off because of a broken elbow. With Du Toit back in the frame and Eben Etzebeth in superb form, that trio could be the Boks' second-row contingent in Durban.Team doctor Craig Roberts will give an update today on players injured in the All Blacks clash...
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