In doubt: Adriaan Strauss
The Springboks are sweating over the availability of hooker Adriaan Strauss who is the only injury concern at this stage.
South Africa are in Perth preparing for Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Paterson's Stadium.
Team doctor Craig Roberts, during his usual Monday injury update, said Strauss's knee is the only major concern at this stage.
"From our side the only injury concern is Adriaan Strauss, who's got a mild knee ligament sprain," said Roberts.
"We will assess him later in the week and will make a call on his availability depending on how he goes through training in the next couple of days, but apart from that I'm happy to report we have a fit squad and are ready to go."
Should Strauss be ruled out, he will be the third hooker South Africa have lost to injury with Bismarck du Plessis and Chiliboy Ralepelle also out
"We have a few hookers on standby (in Tiaan Liebenberg and Craig Burden), but we have a very good medical team and I'm positive we'll get Adriaan through," said Bok coach Heyneke Meyer.
"We have travelled with three hookers, so should be fine for the first game."
Comments
jeremiser says...
I havent ever been slightly excited at an injury crisis, but I hope this paves the way for Craig Burden to make an impact...........and surely he will.
Posted 14:53 03rd September 2012
APV1 says...
Schalk Brits..?
Posted 14:47 03rd September 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Britts??
Posted 14:38 03rd September 2012
melkdave says...
I fully expect A.Stauss to play against the wallabies,even if his only 90%
Posted 14:32 03rd September 2012
JayStarr says...
No, if there is one thing South Africa will never face it is a hooker or loose-forward crisis.
When Bismarck was out for the Sharks this year, "no-name" Craig Burden stepped in and played like a tazmanian devil... out-shining Tiaan Liebenberg, who was on par with Adriaan Strauss this year. And then of course there is Superman Deon Fourie... Even ex-Springbok Gary Botha if you must. Even John Smit is still playing last time I checked... But why would you want him if you can have Schalk Brits?
No, South Africa is not facing a hooker crisis.
Posted 14:25 03rd September 2012