SOUTH AFRICA

Lions coach hits out at Bok management

Wednesday 30th July 2008

Jaque Fourie: Is he fit?

Lions caoch Eugene Eloff is furious at Jaque Fourie's recall to the Springbok squad, as the Bok management failed to consult him before making the call.

Fourie is yet to taste Currie Cup action this season as he has struggled to recover from a groin injury, but will join the national squad in Pretoria on Wednesday ahead of Tests against Argentina, New Zealand, and two against Australia.

Eloff was not spoken to before the call was made, and he thinks Fourie would be better-served by getting some game-time ahead of the clashes.

"I believe Jaque could have played 40 minutes of Currie Cup rugby before being called up for national duty," he said to Supersport.

"I feel this is unprofessional. What I would like to see is a more professional forum where the various medical teams and the coaches talk to each other.

"We can do without Jaque, as we have done earlier this season. I just think we (South Africans) should be cleverer when players return from injuries.

"But I understand why Peter wants Jaque. He is a special player, just like Fourie du Preez.

"The Springboks want them back as soon as possible, because there is pressure on them."

Eloff had planned to make a call on Fourie's fitness on Thursday at Lions training, ahead of their Currie Cup match against Western Province this weekend.