The search for centres and flyhalves capable of lifting Springbok backline play out of the doldrums will be in full swing during this year's Super 12 competition.

This is evident from the Springbok contracted squad for 2002 as published in a Cape Town newspaper on Tuesday.

Only one centre, Adrian Jacobs from the Falcons, and no flyhalf has been included in the squad. The squad comprises only seven backs, with Conrad Jantjes the only fullback and Joost van der Westhuizen, who has been ruled out of the entire Super 12 due to knee surgery, the only scrumhalf.

A number of Springboks who went on the end-of-year tour did not receive new contracts. The notable absentees are Stormers Pieter Rossouw (wing), Percy Montgomery (fullback, pictured), Neil de Kock (scrumhalf), De Wet Barry (centre), Toks van der Linde (loosehead prop), Shark Trevor Halstead and the Cats duo of Deon de Kock (scrumhalf) and Louis Koen (flyhalf).

The contracts of three other players, centre Robbie Fleck, loosehead prop Rob Kempson and flyhalf Butch James, all currently injured, are set to expire during the Super 12.

The race for midfield and flyhalf positions is wide open, especially with a new Springbok coach due to be appointed soon. Exciting players like Wayne Julies (Stormers), Gcobani Bobo (Cats), Ettienne Botha and Frikkie Welsh (Bulls) have the ideal opportunity to stake a claim to the centre positions, while Jaco van der Westhuyzen (Bulls) and Gaffie du Toit (Sharks) will challenge strongly for the No 10 jersey.

Star Free State flanker Rassie Erasmus has a verbal Springbok contract that runs out at the end of the Super 12.

A number of contracted Springboks will miss either the entire Super 12 or a portion of the Super 12 due to injuries. They are Bob Skinstad, Andre Venter, Joost van der Westhuizen, Andre Vos, Joe van Niekerk, Robbie Fleck, Butch James and Rob Kempson.

Springbok contracted squad to the end of 2002:

Conrad Jantjes, Breyton Paulse, Dean Hall, Adrian Jacobs, Joost van der Westhuizen, Bob Skinstad, Corne Krige, Andre Vos, Andre Venter, Joe van Niekerk, AJ Venter, Mark Andrews, Victor Matfield, Albert van den Berg, Cobus Visagie, Willie Meyer, Ollie le Roux, Lawrence Sephaka, John Smit, Lukas van Biljon.

Injured players under contract: Robbie Fleck, Butch James, Rob Kempson.