VIDEO: Boks sweating over star prop's fitness
South Africa suffered a cruel injury blow in the build-up to their Rugby Championship opener against Australia in Pretoria on Saturday.
South Africa’s Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus revealed that prop Retshegofaditswe Nché had suffered an injury to his chest at training on Tuesday.
He is in doubt for Saturday’s clash with the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld.
Nché was named in the starting line-up for the clash announced earlier on Tuesday.
However, Steven Kitshoff has been placed on standby and will remain behind in South Africa – rather than travelling to New Zealand later on Tuesday – as injury cover, pending the outcome of Nche’s medical scans.
Erasmus said Nché is ‘vital’ to the team’s cause.
“He has produced some very good performances for the team,” the SARU boss said.
“He looked great in training, with Nché and Kitshoff really driving each other.”
He pointed out the value of props like Trevor Nyakane, Thomas du Toit and Vincent Koch – who can all play on both sides of the scrum.
(WATCH as South Africa’s Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus speaks about the injury concerns ahead of the Springbok team’s season-opener...)
“I hope his injury is not too serious, given how hard he has worked in training,” Erasmus said.
“He has taken ownership of his position showing some leadership.
“He is showing other aspects – instead of just being a solid scrummager.
“He is also coming into his own in meetings.
“It will be a huge loss [if he is ruled out].”
* Earlier it was announced that experienced No.8 Duane Vermeulen will lead the Springboks for the third time.
Vermeulen leads a team featuring a core of Rugby World Cup winners and talented newcomers – who have excelled at vital moments in the past few seasons.
The side also includes a debutant in Ireland international lock Jean Kleyn, who will earn his first Springbok Test cap.
* To read the full report, CLICK HERE!
