Springboks wait on Hougaard
The scrumhalf hurt his knee in Rio with the BlitzBoks and Springbok 15-a-side coach Allister Coetzee is still waiting to confirm the extent of the injury.
"He didn't compete in the semifinal at the Olympics," Coetzee told a media briefing at the team's base in Nelspruit ahead of their opening Rugby Championship clash against Argentina, this coming Saturday.
"There wasn't time to have a scan. He didn't feel comfortable. I want to know whether it is a niggle or an injury and he has been sent for a scan.
"He's able to walk and run but the knee is a bit tight," Coetzee added.
There was some good news regarding prop Trevor Nyakane's ankle injury.
Nyakane was initially ruled out of the Boks' first two matches of the tournament, but he could feature in the Springboks' away match against the Pumas in Salta next week.
"He's still doing his rehabilitation programme and his response is good. He definitely won't be considered for this week.
"We'll make a decision come Monday next week. We'll decide whether he should have a hit out in the Currie Cup," said Coetzee.
Meanwhile, flyhalf Patrick Lambie seems to be finally concussion free.
Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee said the 25-year-old was showing no mores signs of concussion-related symptoms.
Lambie has been out of action since he was knocked out by CJ Stander in South Africa's first Test against Ireland during the June international window.
"Pat's injury is very different from a muscle injury.
"There are positive reports and I saw him on Saturday in Cape Town. He started training with no symptoms, or aggravating symptoms. They could advance him to more rigorous training.
"It is just cardio at the moment and then he'll be advanced to controlled contact and then to contact.
"Only when he's gone through all those stages will he be ready to play. But it is looking positive. It is quite a drawn out process," Coetzee added
