Springboks’ Butch James desires number 10 spot in 2011 Rugby World Cup
Springboks’ World Cup winner, Butch James, has publically claimed back the Springboks number 10 jersey for their upcoming 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign.
James is currently serving a four-week ban imposed by the South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby(SANZAR) for his dangerous tackle on the Sharks flanker Keegan Daniel.
James has expressed his hope that he will make it into the final 30-man squad for the 2011 RWC. He was talking to media on Friday, June 24 and said, “The fact I've been considered for the squad even though I've been based overseas and have only had a handful
of games in Super Rugby is very reassuring, I know I've got a good chance, but I also know it's in my hands."
The 32-year-old fly half has termed this year’s situation similar to what happened four years ago. He added that unlike 2007, where he was in competition with Andre Pretorius, this time he has to deal with the challenge posed by Elton Jantjies, Patrick Lambie,
Morne Steyn and Peter Grant.
James has ruled out the chances of inclusion of the impressive young Elton Jantjies because of his international exposure and experience. He further added, “If you've got an experienced guy and a youngster playing at the same standard a coach will always
pick the experienced guy, but you have to understand that experience alone won't win you a match.”
James returned to South African at the end of the 2010/11 Premiership season. Former Bath fly half James has termed senior players as the best players available in South Africa in their respective position.
James is included in the reduced Springboks 2011 RWC squad and hopes that he will play for Springboks in their upcoming matches before the World Cup. He added that he is looking forward to play in the forthcoming matches and to earn his place in the final
squad. James added, “There's still everything to play for but, I'll be honest, I'm hoping to be the number one, the first choice.”
Critics and experts of the game believe James will be the first choice fly half in the Springboks head coach Peter de Villiers squad.
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