British and Irish Lions

The decision to rest the 29-year-old was not unexpected as he has endured a hectic schedule since last year's World Cup.

James has since played a full season with English club side Bath and, after two impressive performances in the
Springboks 2-0 series victory against Wales, will rest ahead of the upcoming Tri-Nations.

"Butch has played almost non-stop since the World Cup and we felt it was time that he should take a break," said Andy Marinos, the South Africa manager for national teams.

James' omission means the Springbok will field their third half-back combination in as many weeks.

In the first Test against Wales James was paired with scrum-half Bolla Conradie, before combing with Ricky Januarie in Pretoria.

Stormers fly-half Peter Grant is expected to take James' place.

Veteran lock Victor Matfield will lead a Springboks team that will show a number of changes from the team that defeated Wales last weekend.

Regular captain John Smit and experienced full-back Percy Montgomery will return to France to play in the Top 14 semi-final between Perpignan and Clermont.

World Cup-winner Danie Rossouw will also miss the game as he will undergo treatment on an ingrown toenail and is expected to take 10 days to recover.

Assistant coach Graham Rowntree says The British & Irish Lions will have to be fully focussed to avoid a potential banana skin when they face The Barbarians a week today.

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.