Severe blow to SA's RWC hopes
2007-07-30 22:08
Stephen Nell
Cape Town - Springbok coach Jake White says Pierre Spies's withdrawal from South Africa's rugby World Cup squad is a severe loss because the young loose forward would have played an important role in France.
White was extremely disappointed when he was informed on Monday that Spies would not be able to play in the World Cup tournament that starts in September.
According to a statement by SA Rugby, clots were found on Spies's lungs and he may not take part in any contact sport for between six and eight months.
"Pierre is a fine player. It would have been interesting to see him combine with someone such as Schalk Burger," White said.
He and his co-selectors, Peter Jooste and Ian McIntosh, later began discussing the matter of replacing Spies.
Jacques Cronjé and Pedrie Wannenburg are the leading candidates.
Cronjé played well when South Africa lost 33-6 in a Tri-Nations match against New Zealand in Christchurch recently and may have the inside lane.
He and Wannenburg, who received a yellow card in the same match, have been part of White's plans since he took over the coaching in 2004.
Played well for the Sharks
Spies's withdrawal may also open the door for Bob Skinstad to force his way into the SA starting line-up.
After missing a few seasons, Skinstad returned to first-class rugby earlier this year. He played well for the Sharks in the Super 14 competition and captained the Springboks against Australia in Sydney.
The setback also raises doubts about Spies's availability to play for the Bulls in the Super 14 competition next year.
Spies was philosophical about the matter. "It would have been wonderful to go to France but I must accept that it is a good thing that they (the doctors) diagnosed the problem so early.
"Things could have been worse had I continued playing. I wish the team everything of the best. I am looking forward to playing for the Springboks again in the near future."
The Springbok team's doctor, Yusuf Hassan, said Spies would be treated and monitored for the next few months.
- Die Burger