South Africa glamour boy Bobby Skinstad has played down reports of a rift in the Springbok squad over his selection at the expense of deposed skipper Gary Teichmann.

Critics of Skinstad are doubtful about his readiness to go into a punishing tournament after only just recovering from a knee injury.

But the 23-year-old flanker said from the Springboks' base in Edinburgh yesterday: "If there was any resentment towards me then it would have been voiced. I've always looked up to Gary Teichmann. He was a boyhood hero of mine."