Rugby Union: South Africa decide to omit Pienaar

Francois Pienaar, South Africa's victorious World Cup captain, and Joel Stransky, his match-winning stand-off, have been omitted from the Springbok squad to tour Argentina, France and Wales in November and December.

Pienaar last captained South Africa in their Tri-Nations defeat against New Zealand in Cape Town on 10 August when he had to come off with a neck injury. Gary Teichmann, the Natal No 8 who took over for the three-Test series against the All Blacks which followed, retains the captaincy for the tour. Stransky, who kicked the drop goal which secured the Springboks a 15-12 win over New Zealand in the World Cup final, has also been left out.

Andre Markgraaff, the Springbok coach, said: "On merit, Francois can't make the Springbok Test side. Francois does not form part of the vision and future of South African rugby, while Wayne Fyvie is the upcoming guy."