Botha and De Villiers out of Bok squad

JOHANNESBURG - Lock Bakkies Botha and centre Jean de Villiers have been ruled out of South Africa's Tri-Nations squad after failing to recover from their injuries.

Botha is still recuperating from a calf injury and SA Rugby spokesman Vusi Kama said a decision on who would replace him would be made on Thursday.

De Villiers, who took a heavy knock to the ribs during the first test against Scotland on June 10, has also failed to respond to treatment to the damaged cartilage and will stay in South Africa to receive on-going medical attention.

He will not be replaced in the squad.

Kama confirmed wing Bryan Habana, South Africa's Player of the Year in 2005, has recovered from his rib injury and will be available for the first match against Australia in Brisbane on July 15.

The Springboks will fly off Australia today.

The Tri-Nations begins on Saturday when New Zealand host Australia in Christchurch.

- REUTERS