Back up Springbok flyhalf Butch James has been ruled out of this weekend's clash with Samoa after failing to recover from a damaged hamstring.

His place amongst the replacements will be taken by Breyton Paulse, who earlier this week was dropped from the Springbok squad for the first time in three years.

Stormers flyhalf Werner Greeff is expected to start at fullback with Andre Pretorius at flyhalf. Paulse will act as cover for the No.15 shirt and is tipped to get a run at some point during the clash in Pretoria.

The injury could not have come at a worse time for James, who would have played only his second serious game since making a comeback from knee surgery. He was in outstanding form for the SA 'A' side two weeks ago, prompting Straeuli to give him a speedy recall to Springbok duty.

The Natal Sharks flyhalf now is in a race against time to be fit for the Tri-Nations tournament, which kicks off for South Africa with a game against New Zealand on July 20.

Teams:

Springboks: Werner Greeff, Stefan Terblanche, Marius Joubert, De Wet Barry, Dean Hall, Andre Pretorius, Johannes Conradie, Bob Skinstad, Joe van Niekerk, Corne Krige (capt), Victor Matfield, Hottie Louw, Faan Rautenbach, Danie Coetzee, Lawrence Sephaka.
Substitutes: Delaray du Preez, Daan Human, Quinton Davids, Shaun Sowerby, Neil de Kock, Breyton Paulse, Adrian Jacobs.

Samoa: Silao Leaega, Lome Fa'atau, Elvis Sevealii, Fereti Tuilagi, Alesana Tuilagi, Earl Va'a, Steven So'oialo, Henry Tuilagi or Siaosi Vaili, Maurie Fa'asavlu, Semo Sititi, Leo Lafaialii,
Opeta Palepoi, Jeremy Tomuli, Trevor Leota, Tamato Leupolu.
Substitutes: Jonathan Meredith, Kas Lealamanua, Potu Leavasu, Kitiona Viliamu, Denning Tyrrell, Aleki Toleafoa, Carl Manu.