Robbie Fleck is the man Springbok coach Nick Mallett is looking to to fill the all-important inside centre berth in his team for Saturday's Tri-Nations return Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park.

De Wet Barry, who would have formed the midfield partnership with Grant Esterhuyzen, strained a hamstring at training on Saturday and the chances of him recovering in time are minimal. Battle-hardened Cats specialist inside centre Japie Mulder was called up, but after a shoulder operation, the big man is not ready for action yet.

Therefore an emergency call was made to Fedsure Western Province's Fleck, who was axed after some disappointing performances in the overseas leg of the Tri-Nations and the Mandela Challenge. Fleck took part in Monday's training session at St David's Marist College.

Mallett emphasised on Monday that Fleck has only been called up as cover for Barry and that he would give the latter as long as possible to prove his fitness. "De Wet strained his hamstring on Saturday morning. After 48 hours, he responded very well to treatment and we won't make a decision on him until as late as possible. We would obviously want to see him participate in the Wednesday practice, but we have called up Robbie Fleck as cover, not to take his place yet."

Mallett confirmed that Mulder was not fit enough to play at Test level yet. "We also had a look at Japie. The selectors had a shortlist of replacements, of which Fleck was a centre replacement. We have been told that Japie had made an excellent recovery from his shoulder operation, but he has only just started to run for the first time.

"Even though he is a very experienced player, he has been out of action for a month now and I'd really like to give him more time to recover. He had a practice session with the Lions this morning and I hope he comes through that well. I'm going to get a report back on that. He would have been our first choice had he been fit."

Fleck played most of his rugby at outside centre, but Mallett reckons he is the best bet of the current crop of centres in the squad to slot in on the inside. "I think we would probably play Fleck at inside centre. In terms of Test experience, Fleck has more experience than Grant Esterhuyzen.

"Grant hasn't played inside centre, whereas Robbie Fleck has at occasions played there. It's not ideal, but out of the four centres we have, most of them play on the outside. I'm hoping it won't come to that - I'm hoping De Wet will be fit. But we will only be taking that decision later on this week. Robbie Fleck will be involved in all the practices from now on."

Barry had a light run with physiotherapist Wayne Diesel on Monday and afterwards said he is optimistic he would be fit to take his place. "I am disappointed, because I am really looking forward to this Test, but I am also still very positive that I am going to make it. My condition improves daily and by Wednesday we should be able to make a better judgement.

"One thing is for sure though and that is that I won't force things. We have Fleckie here and if I'm not 100 per cent, I won't play." Barry kept an eagle's eye on the backline movements at training and expressed his frustration at not being able to participate.

Diesel said Barry is still doubtful for Saturday and that's why management called Fleck in. "His condition has improved a lot with treatment and today he did a light jog. He felt no pain, although he still protected the hamstring. Tomorrow he will hopefully do a bit more and by Wednesday we should have a much clearer picture."

Diesel said they had no reason to believe the hamstring is torn. "There is no evidence like bruising or bleeding. He walks comfortably and was able to jog comfortably, but at this stage he is still doubtful."

Loosehead prop Robbie Kempson also missed out Monday's session - the last one that was open to the public and media - because of flu.

Mallett was confident the Springboks would put up a better showing in front of their home crowds. "We had our opportunities, but didn't take them on tour. All the South African Super 12 sides perform far better at home, so I'm very confident we are going to put in a good performance. The key is taking your chances and that's really what we've got to look at."

He reckons the All Black' performance against Australia in Wellington was their best thus far. "It was a much better performance from them. From a rugby point of view, I thought Australia have been more consistent over the three games they've played. I think the All Blacks - apart from that fantastic seven minute start that gave them a 21-point lead in the first game - their third game was the best of the lot."