The South African rugby team for the Italy test has been announced with Butch James at inside centre.

The Springbok side see six changes to his starting XV that defeated France, with Peter de Villiers opting to rest Jaque Fourie, Wynand Olivier, Francois Louw, Danie Rossouw, BJ Botha, while captain John Smit is injured.

Butch James starts at inside centre along with Jean de Villiers, even though flyhalf is his best position. It is a bit of a mystery why though especially if you consider how many options De Villiers have in that position. At his disposal is Wynand Olivier, Juan de Jongh and it is Jean`s favorite position. De Villiers defended his choice saying, “‘We’re not building a new house, but rather just shifting the furniture around.”

“It was a difficult decision to pick Butch, but I must be honest with myself and know that I’ve seen everyone so I can pick them for the World Cup or even the Tri-Nations. This is a good chance to see him and the reason I’m trying him at 12 is because certain players only specialize in one position. One or two guys have to play in a few positions in a World Cup squad. But I will still try Butch at flyhalf in a match situation.”

Butch`s only other start in the midfield was in 2002 when the Springboks lost heavily to England 53-3. In recent months Butch made playing for Bath at flyhalf and that is why De Villiers opted to give him another chance. Why Morne Steyn isn`t given a rest and he utilized at ten is an open question.

Butch James stats:
Bok debut: 2001 v France
Test caps: 35
Test points: 143
Test tries: 3
Conversions: 25
Penalties: 25
Dropped goals: 1

Springbok Team: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jean de Villiers, 12 Butch James, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Subs: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Bjorn Basson.