Joost stands down as skipper

Van Der Westhuizen will not lead the side against England

Joost van der Westhuizen has stepped down from the South African captaincy to concentrate on regaining his fitness.

The scrum half has been suffering from a debilitating knee injury but still wants to compete for a place in the team.

The scrum half's right knee was already heavily strapped in the World Cup

"Following a meeting with the Springbok selectors in Cape Town today, I have decided to set aside the captaincy of the Springbok team in the interests of getting back to full match fitness and again competing for a place in the team," he said.

"Due to a lengthy recovery process from my knee injury sustained at the Rugby World Cup I have had very little match activity over the past four months. I acknowledge therefore that my position is not guaranteed.

"Hopefully I will still be considered for selection and my focus now will be on getting back into the team."

Springbok dates

20 May: Squad and new skipper to be announced

10 June: Test vs Canada

17 June: First Test vs England

24 June: Second Test vs England

Van der Westhuizen, who holds the South African Test cap and try-scoring record, is one of the world's best scum halves.

He took over the captaincy from Gary Teichmann just before last year's World Cup.

But after the tournament he underwent surgery on his knee in November and he has only recently returned to fitness.

Van der Westhuizen's successor is expected to be named on Saturday evening when a 28-strong squad is announced by coach Nick Mallett for the June games against Canada and England.