South African rugby bosses have decided to suspend a decision to ban overseas-based players from appearing for the Springboks.

This means that it clears the way for skipper John Smit to lead the world champions in a one-off test against Wales at the end of this month. The South African hooker, who has signed for French side Clermont Auvergne, was named captain on Tuesday although three other members of the Rugby World Cup squad who have also taken up European contracts - Ashwin Willemse, Gary Botha and Butch James - were not selected in the touring squad. The match is due to take place in Cardiff on November 24.

The decision to suspend the ban was taken by the council of provincial union presidents.

A statement said discussions would take place with the South African players' association and other parties before a final decision was taken.

The meeting also confirmed the four candidates to succeed Jake White as Springbok coach - Allister Coetzee, Peter de Villiers, Chester Williams and Heyneke Meyer. They will all be interviewed on December 3 and 4, the statement said.

The decision means Sharks coach Dick Muir, who applied for the job this week after the deadline, was too late and has been deemed to have missed the cut.