Springboks’ participation still in doubt

JOHANNESBURG: Speculation continues to swirl that world champion South Africa may pull out of the Rugby Championship.

South African Rugby is yet to announce whether it will participate in the sevenweek tournament in Australia, which opens later this month with a test between the Wallabies and All Blacks.

The Springboks have not played together since winning the World Cup final against England in Japan last November.

South Africa Rugby issued a statement over the weekend, saying there were still ‘‘hurdles’’ to clear before it could confirm the Springboks will play.

There is speculation that Rassie Erasmus, who coached the Springboks to the World Cup last year and is now director of rugby, will cite ``player welfare'' as the reason for their late withdrawal.

Former World Cupwinning Springboks coach Jake White said he did not think the team would be ready for the Rugby Championship.

‘‘I understand fully that it's not the ideal preparation and, probably, if I was a coach I’d be asking SA Rugby to try and find ways in which we don't participate because the situation is a bit unfair.’’

White conceded that the financial implications of not playing could force the hand of administrators. — AAP