Boks waiting on several injuries

The Springboks face a potential injury crisis for the rest of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship after four players went down with serious injuries after the 25-17 loss to Australia in Adelaide last Saturday.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was forced into several changes as stalwarts Lukhanyo Am, Handre Pollard, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Elton Jantjies all picked up injuries after the Adelaide test.

Jantjies picked up a hand injury and the other three had knee injuries, with the Springbok management playing a waiting game as they wait to see the severity of the injuries and how much it will impact them in the rest of the international season.

“In terms of the injuries, we will probably have more clarity in terms of the severity of the injuries by tomorrow. Obviously those injured are not up for selection, but we should know by tomorrow how long they are out,” Nienaber told the media in his team announcement.

Am has been sensational this season and could easily be the de-facto player of the year worldwide, while the loss of both flyhalves has meant that Damian Willemse has had to step into the breach as he did during the first test against Wales at Loftus Versfeld and Frans Steyn moved into cover on the bench.

The injuries also meant the Boks weren’t able to use their six-two bomb squad as there would be too little cover out wide.

The team announced had nine changes, including a debut for 19-year old Bulls winger Canan Moodie.

Nienaber said the selection was the best for the game in Sydney given the injuries and the way the Boks want to bounce back after the Adelaide defeat.

“We selected a team we thought would be best for this match given that we have several players out with injuries and with an eye on how we want to play,” said Nienaber.

“Handre, Lukhanyo, Elton and Pieter-Steph are all carrying injuries which adds to a list that includes Cheslin Kolbe and Sbu Nkosi, while Kurt-Lee Arendse is also out serving a suspension, and this has forced our hand to make a few changes in some positions.

“With both flyhalves injured, Damian was the natural choice at No 10 where he has slotted in for us a lot. He is also becoming a settled player in our team with over 20 test caps to his name.

“This will also be a great test for Canan, who was a stand-out player for the Vodacom Bulls this season in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. He’s a very talented player, who will enjoy this opportunity.”

The Boks are currently last on the Rugby Championship log, with only their win against the All Blacks in Mbombela out of their matches in the tournament.

SPRINGBOKS TEAM

Willie le Roux; Canan Moodie, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi; Damian Willemse, Jaden Hendrikse; Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (captain), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff.

Reserves: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen, Cobus Reinach, Frans Steyn, Warrick Gelant.