Toulon second row Bakkies Botha said he was ready to join the Springboks' squad to fill in for Eben Etzebeth's suspension. But he and his agent were still waiting for a call from the Springboks' staff last night.
"It's been all over the newspapers that I might go to New Zealand, but I still don't know for sure yet. I'm still training with the guys in Toulon. As soon as I get the call from the Springbok management team, I'll jump on a plane to Dunedin."
After problems with an Achilles tendon injury that cut short his Rugby World Cup, there was no question in Botha's mind that he would put an end to his international career. "But there are still a few games in me, especially [as] I truly believe that I can bring something to the Springboks."
"Every game in the green and gold jersey will be a bonus for me, and it will feel like the first test because it's always special for me to play for my country. I've been playing for the Springboks for 10 years now, and obviously I'm not getting any younger, so I'm going to cherish that."
"It's an honour to be involved, whether they use me on the bench or anywhere else, I'll be happy."