This week we carry on with a segment we began last week, in which we look at Springbok rugby players plying their trade abroad, who may be available for the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. 

Butch James:

Butch James was undoubtably one of the instrumental figures in South Africa’s 2007 IRB Rugby World Cup success.

When you thinks of Sharks rugby, Butch has to be one of the 1st players that pops to mind. He is a Durban boy through and through. Schooled at Maritzburg College in KwaZulu-Natal, Butch began his professional rugby career with the Sharks when he was selected for the Natal Sharks Currie Cup squad in 2000. He went on to play in the (then) Super 12 for the Sharks in 2001, and has represented the Sharks in two Super Rugby finals.

During his early career, Butch was frequently penalised for his aggressive, often high, swinging arm style of tackling, but has since calmed down and kept within the laws of the game. That being said, he has in no way let up on his bone crunching hits, most notably coming to mind, his massive hit on Stirling Mortlock during the 2006 Tri Nations tournament.

Butch made his international debut against France in 2001, where the Springboks lost 32 – 23. He went on to become the most capped Springbok #10 ever, playing 32 test at fly half. He also made appearences at #12 for the Springboks and has played 35 tests in total.

Butch was perhaps one of the players who made the most notable improvements after working with Eddie Jones before the 2007 IRB Rugby World Cup in France.

This is what Butch James has been up to: [glentheed]

But is he needed?

For: Butch played a massive roll in South Africa’s 2007 World Cup success, his defense is second to none and he sparks the backline, creating good go forward ball for the outside backs. Butch’s smart kicking out of hand is also a great asset to any team.  The Springbok’s lack of cover for Morne Steyn and the out of form Ruan Pienaar also work in Butch’s favour.

Against: Butch isn’t exactly a spring chicken anymore, and his knees might not have another world cup in them. The accuracy of his place kicking, whilst good, is nowhere near Morne Steyn’s. He has been out of the mix for quite some time and might not ajust well to the current systems.

What are your views? Would you pick Butch James to be in your 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup squad?