Boks rally behind 'disappointed' Burger

'We will take it one step at a time after the operation'

When the Springboks take to the field against France on Saturday (at 3pm – local time), many of the players' thoughts will be with star flanker Schalk Burger, who will undergo career-threatening neck surgery on the same day.

Whilst a visibly disappointed Bok coach Jake White revealed on Monday afternoon that Burger would be out until January next year, the Springbok medical staff later confirmed that Burger had "sustained a cervical neck injury with nerve root compression, during the Test on Saturday against Scotland".

"Dr. Yusuf Hassan, the Springbok Team Doctor, said this was confirmed after a MRI scan was conducted on the player," read an SA Rugby statement. "The player was sent for neurosurgical evaluation and the recommendation is that he requires surgery. The operation is scheduled for Saturday."

Springbok captain John Smit wished his team-mate well, on behalf of the rest of the squad.

"He is someone that gives nothing less than his every effort for every team that he plays for," said Smit on Monday evening. "On behalf of the team I want to wish him a speedy recovery and good luck with his period of rehabilitation."

Twenty-three-year-old Burger added: "The news is obviously very disappointing and I am currently feeling a little discomfort.

"We will take it one step at a time after the operation. I want to thank my team-mates for their support and wish them well for the Test against France."

By Howard Kahn