Bok reinforcements arrive in Paris
TEAM NEWS: The first of South Africa’s European reinforcement arrived in Paris, ahead of the Test against France on Saturday.
The arrival of their European-based players is a major boost for the Boks, in the wake of their bitterly disappointing 11-12 loss to England at Twickenham at the weekend.
Francois Louw, Vincent Koch, Cheslin Kolbe and Franco Mostert all joined up with the squad on Sunday.
They were joined by scrumhalf Francois de Klerk on Monday.
The Bok camp confirmed on social media that the Euro players are in camp.
In De Klerk’s absence, the Boks had given a start to Ivan van Zyl in the loss at Twickenham, while Embrose Papier came off the bench.
Louis Schreuder is the third No 9 in the squad.
BREAKING: @fafdeklerk has joined the Springbok squad in Paris and is available for Saturday’s Test against @FFRugby at the Stade de France. More to follow. #boksontour #LoveRugby pic.twitter.com/lWNDLzzT4E
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) November 5, 2018
Louw, Koch, Kolbe and Mostert joined the squad for their second Test for 2018 Castle Lager Outgoing Tour, against France at the Stade de France this weekend.
The Boks started their preparations on Monday, with field, gymnasium and analysis sessions scheduled until the end of the week.
The Springboks could be without the services of star lock Eben Etzebeth for the rest of their European tour.
Etzebeth left the field early in the Twickenham Test with a foot injury and was replaced at lock by Rudolph Snyman.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus is not expecting his most experienced player to be ready to face France next week and he could miss the Tests against Scotland and Wales as well.
“Eben looks pretty bad,” said Erasmus.
“He is out definitely for next week and maybe the tour.
“The way he is walking doesn’t look great, it looks like an ankle and will be a while before he is playing again.”
Erasmus is set to announce the Springbok match 23 for the French Test on Thursday.
The Springboks’ end-of-year tour to the Northern Hemisphere also includes Tests against Scotland in Edinburgh and Wales in Cardiff.
