More headaches for Bok coach
2008-08-24 20:11
Durban - Front row forwards, locks and flyhalves could create problems for Springbok coach Peter de
Villiers before he announces the side for the Springboks'
final Tri-Nations Test against the Australia at Coca-Cola Park on
Saturday.
Already under tremendous pressure for his team selections, game plan and
the four losses and one rather lucky win in five Tri-Nations matches
this year, De Villiers may have to bring in players from outside the
identified squad of 30.
The extent of the players' injuries will only be announced on Monday
afternoon.
The front row in particular could force De Villiers to look to someone
like Heinke van der Merwe to take over at loosehead or to experienced
World Cup Bok Jannie du Plessis, who can scrum on both sides.
Bok loosehead Tendai Mtwarira's shoulder and the possible suspension on
Monday of CJ van der Linde - who can scrum on both sides - added to the
departure of BJ Botha for Ireland, must be the biggest worry for De
Villiers.
At lock captain Victor Matfield is nursing a groin injury brought about
by being plucked from a lineout. Bakkies Botha is still injured, and
experienced World Cup Bok Johann Muller is also unfit because of injury.
History of knee injuries
At flyhalf the cupboard is really bare. Butch James has been out of form
throughout the Boks' campaign this year. He injured a knee on Saturday.
His long history of knee injuries makes it a reasonable assumption that
he might have to sit out this weekend's game.
James' early-season replacement in the earlier Tests, Peter Grant, is
injured. So is the next in line Frans Steyn, who has a nose injury.
Percy Montgomery, on whom De Villiers would have relied against
Argentina if James had been injured, will not be selected to start as
pivot, De Villiers himself said so two weeks ago.
Andre Pretorius is injured and Derek Hougaard now plays for
Leicestershire.
Earl Rose still has too many rough edges, despite a big season.
That leaves Ruan Pienaar - and De Villiers does not favour him at
flyhalf.
Added to these injuries which could impact on the team selection, De
Villiers has the unenviable task of motivating the Springboks for
Saturday's Test.
A win is not negotiable. Already confirmed wooden-spoonists, a defeat
would see South Africa whitewashed in their three home Tri-Nations Test.
- SAPA