Setbacks for BlitzBoks as injury toll rises

INJURY UPDATE: Two of South Africa’s key players are in a race against time to be fit for the New Zealand leg of the Sevens World Series.

Muller du Plessis and Justin Geduld picked up injuries at the Cape Town leg this past weekend.

They are set to be sidelined for at least six weeks.

The next tournament on the World Series is on January 26 and 27 in Hamilton.

A scan revealed Du Plessis suffered a back injury, which will rule him out for six to eight weeks.

Geduld underwent an operation on Tuesday to remove cartilage in his knee. He will also not play for at least six weeks.

The return to play for Springbok Sevens captain, Philip Snyman, has not been confirmed.

“Philip has been reviewed by a specialist and the scans showed that his injury involves the sternocostal joint [between the breastbone and the first rib],” said South African Sevens team doctor Leigh Gordon.

“It is an unusual injury.

“We will have to see how his rehabilitation goes in January before we can make a call.

“Obviously we hope that he will be available for selection for the tournaments in Hamilton and Sydney, a week later.”

Werner Kok, who underwent surgery for facial fractures on Monday, will be fit to return to training early next year, Gordon said.

“Werner’s surgery went well and he will join the squad in January.

“He may miss the first few days of contact but is expected to be available for selection,” Gordon added.

A number of players who missed the first two tournaments of the season due to injury will be available for the Australasian leg.

They include BlitzBoks’ top points scorer of all time, Cecil Afrika, as well as Stedman Gans and Heino Bezuidenhout.