Spies, Rossouw fit to face Wallabies

South Africa loose forwards Pierre Spies and Danie Rossouw have been declared fit for a Tri-Nations Test against Australia at Kings Park here Saturday. Spies has been battling to recover from a months-old groin injury while Northern Bulls team-mate Rossouw was on a drip for several days to combat gastroenteritis. Springbok officials said both players had practised without any ill effects and would be available for selection when coach Peter de Villiers names his starting line-up Thursday. De Villiers is expected to select Spies at number eight and versatile Rossouw at blind-side flank with long-term injury victim Heinrich Brussow returning at open-side after more than a one-year absence from the Test scene. Back-row forwards Ashley Johnson and Ryan Kankowski, who were drafted into the squad on Monday as cover, have been released and can play for Free State Cheetahs and Sharks respectively in the Currie Cup this weekend. Australia coach Robbie Deans will also name his team on Thursday with veteran lock Nathan Sharpe expected to replace Rob Simmons and Scott Higginbotham set to come in for number eight Ben McCalman. The Tri-Nations championship has reached the halfway stage with title holders New Zealand on nine points, Australia five and South Africa pointless after sending a 'B' team on tour and losing heavily in Sydney and Wellington.