The Springboks have delayed naming their team for the Tri-Nations showdown with Australia in Durban this weekend until Thursday as they sweat on the fitness of forwards Pierre Spies and Danie Rossouw.

According to Springbok communications manager Andy Colquhoun both players trained with the squad on Tuesday and a call on their fitness will be made once management has assessed how their bodies respond in the next few days.

Loose forwards Ashley Johnson and Ryan Kankowski were called up as precautionary cover for the duo on Monday.

Rossouw joined the squad 24 hours later than the rest of the players as he has been battling with a bout of gastroenteritis and was placed on a drip as the management team tried desperately to get him match-fit.

Spies is continuing his rehabilitation from a groin injury that has plagued him in recent months and was sent for further scans on the problem area this week although Bok management remain hopeful that he will be fit to play this weekend.

Fellow loose forward Willem Alberts remains in contention for selection this weekend although rehabilitation on his stiff back is ongoing and Colquhoun was unable to speculate on his chances of playing against the Wallabies.

Veteran Springbok flanks Schalk Burger and Juan Smith are also currently training with the squad as part of their rehabilitation from their respective injuries although they have been completely ruled out of contention for the clash at Kings Park.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers admitted on Monday that "short-term issues among the loose forwards are complicating planning for Saturday," which would seem to be somewhat of an understatement at this stage.