Alberts called in by Springboks

Editor

Springbok flanker Willem Alberts has been called up as replacement for lock Lood de Jager, who was ruled out of action for up to two weeks.

The lock injured his knee on Saturday in the 23-17 loss suffered against the Wallabies in Brisbane. Following recent injuries to Siya Kolisi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe and the specific loose forward need in the team, it was decided to call on the versatile and experienced Alberts.

Alberts currently plays for Stade Français and will join the Springbok squad on Monday in Christchurch. He can also play at number eight and lock and has already earned 38 Test caps for the Springboks.

Faf de Klerk and Johan Goosen, who both underwent scans on Saturday evening after the match, will remain with the squad and both players will be given enough time to recover from their niggles. However, the squad have sufficient cover in both positions.

Scrum-half De Klerk received a blow to the chest while fullback Goosen landed awkwardly on his ankle after he contested a high ball.

The Springboks travelled to New Zealand from Brisbane on Sunday and their expected time of arrival at their Christchurch destination is approximately midnight.

The squad will have gym recovery sessions on Monday and they resume their field training on Tuesday morning. South Africa play New Zealand on Saturday in their fourth Rugby Championship match of the year.