Springboks skipper De Villiers may miss final

South Africa captain Jean de Villiers is doubtful for a four-nation tournament final against Samoa on Saturday. Team doctor Craig Roberts said on Monday that the 32-year-old inside centre injured a rib in the 30-17 triumph over Scotland in Nelspruit last weekend. "Jean was able to continue playing, but was in some discomfort after the match," said Roberts. "He could not train Monday and we will reassess him in the next few days before making a final call on his availability to face Samoa." Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer is scheduled to name his starting line-up and eight replacements on Wednesday. Prop Jannie du Plessis and No. 8 Pierre Spies (facial lacerations) and lock Eben Etzebeth (shoulder discomfort) also missed training in Pretoria. Outstanding ball-carrier and flanker Willem Alberts (side strain), who missed the wins over Italy and Scotland, should be available for selection. South Africa and Samoa are the main attraction in a Pretoria double-header that kicks off with the third-place play-off between Italy and Scotland. From: AFP