Bok superstar 'doubtful' for 100th All Blacks Test
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids provided an injury update ahead of his team’s 100th Test against the All Blacks in Townsville on Saturday.
Davids revealed that superstar Cheslin Kolbe is “doubtful” for the match. The 27-year-old missed his team’s two defeats to Australia after he suffered a leg injury during training in the Springboks’ first week in Australia.
The good news for the Boks is that they are set to have lock Lodewyk de Jager back for the massive clash.
“He [Kolbe] is part of training and he is doing exercises, but he is still doubtful for this upcoming game,” Davids told reporters via an online media conference on Monday.
He added: “Normal protocols have been followed. Obviously, after 15 weeks there are a lot of niggles here and there, but the players were able to train.
“A guy like Lood de Jager who had concussion is also back in training.
“Our players are fit and training. It’s only a guy like Cheslin who is busy being assessed accordingly, but the broader squad is available for selection for this coming week.”
Faf de Klerk’s vision and Lukhanyo Am’s execution combining to cross the whitewash🤝#RugbyChampionship #AUSvRSA #StrongerTogether #StrongerForever pic.twitter.com/GdftdyM7xn
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Not up to standard
After their two defeats to Australia, Davids said they have had a long look at themselves on Monday in preparation for their two Tests against the All Blacks.
“I think it is important that you always look objectively in terms of your performance the previous week.
“At this level, you have to take the emotions out of your game and start looking objectively in terms of your plan and especially how that plan was executed.
“We did not perform up to standard. We have looked at those reasons and we have had in-depth discussions about it and looked at ourselves.
“But now it’s a new opportunity playing against a quality side like New Zealand for the next two weeks.
“I think all the players are looking forward to that and we know that going into these games we can’t dwell on things that are in the past,” said Davids.
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