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James given Springbok chance

by Setanta Staff , 12 August 2011

South Africa's Butch James is relishing his recall to the Springboks for their Tri-Nations clash with Australia on Saturday in Durban.


The Springboks have had a terrible Tri-Nations campaign so far, with their 40-7 defeat to New Zealand being tough to take.

The former Bath player returned to his native South Africa this year and has regained his place in the Springboks side following time out of the set-up.

Foreign-based South African players were overlooked by coach Peter de Villiers as he preferred players who were plying their trade in South Africa.

The 32-year-old James will play at fly-half on Saturday and is part of 13 replacements made by de Villiers.

James said: "Being chosen for the Springboks is special second time round after a period in the wilderness. The older one becomes, the more you realise you are not going to be around forever.

"As a youngster you tend to take call-ups for granted, but now every time you get together with the Springbok squad you treat it like it is the last time."

After the disastrous Tri Nations campaign so far, James will be looking to wrestle the number 10 jersey from Morne Steyn in time for the World Cup, which starts next month.

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