Dublin - Lock Bakkies Botha has withdrawn from the Springbok rugby team to play Ireland at Croke Park Saturday.

Botha, who was receiving treatment for a back injury, had been given until Saturday morning to prove his fitness.

Botha's place in the starting line-up has been taken by Andries Bekker, whose place on the bench is taken by scrumhalf Francois Hougaard.

The match in Dublin kicks off at 4.30pm SA time. - Sapa