Bok coach provides bleak update on injured stars
SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will have the perfect opportunity to look at new talent for the No.10 jersey when they embark on their end-of-year tour in November.
Handre Pollard, who suffered a knee injury in the Rugby Championship Round Three clash against the Wallabies in Adelaide, is set to miss that tour along with centre Lukhanyo Am.
Am underwent surgery at the beginning of the month due to the knee injury he suffered in that same match.
Speaking to reporters ahead of his team’s crucial Round Five clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires, Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber said he was pretty certain he has lost his first-choice No.10 for the year.
“I am not 100 percent sure in terms of their [Pollard and Am] return dates, but I think they are out for the end-of-year tour,” said Nienaber.
“As I said before, I am not 100 percent sure – I would say I am 80 percent sure.”
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#TeamAnnouncement: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team for Saturday’s clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires 👇👇#RugbyChampionship #SouthAfrica #Springboks #Argentina #LosPumas #ARGvRSA https://t.co/f1rOa0R0hD
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As they did for their last clash against the Wallabies in Sydney, the Boks are entering the match against the Los Pumas with limited No.10 options.
It became more precarious after Elton Jantjies was sent home to attend to reports about his personal life.
Damian Willemse will once again wear the No.10 jersey with Francois Steyn providing cover on the bench.
Despite those issues on depth, Nienaber preferred to focus on the positives, especially the opportunity to develop his squad.
“If you think about us losing Handre and if you think about what happened in the right-wing position, then sometimes injuries are a bad thing,” the Bok coach explained.
“However, the positive of that is you get to test your depth and you get some experience in your squad and develop your squad.”
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#REACTION: Rassie breaks his silence 👇#SouthAfrica #Springboks #Argentina #LosPumas #RugbyChampionship https://t.co/UMp3VlrNzz
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