scot_rsa says...

Potential nightmare for the Boks at lineout time if Bekker isn't 100%. They've not only lost Matfield recently but also good lineout options in Juan and even Pierre. Add to that the loss of Bismarck and they'll need to put in plenty of practice if they want to win their own throws consistently. As for Habana they would certainly miss his skills but just put Hougaard out there and put Pienaar at 9. Wish both these guys well with recovery though.

Posted 20:59 21st August 2012

JHRoberts says...

I can't help but feel as though it's perhaps related to (a) South Africa's extremely physical style in the forwards and (b) Bekker's physical dimensions.

(a) If you look at the injury-prone loosies such as Burger, Smith and Brüssow, you realize that there are a bunch of other players (Marcel Coetzee, Siya Kolisi, even Jacques Potgeiter, etc) who, as fantastic as they are, wouldn't get a look in for the Springboks. Is it the style they play? Is it the increasing length of the season? Who knows?

(b) Those who follow basketball may remember Yao Ming, whose body fell apart, quite possibly due to its sheer size. I wonder if Bekker's various tissues are simply having trouble dealing with the strain of holding such an enormous frame together, though this most likely is not related to the recent rolled ankle, which is just bad luck.

Posted 13:50 21st August 2012

Sharkyzulu says...

Geez, Bekker must have the perfect job - he works one week and then has the next 6 off recovering, while getting paid (handsomely) throughout.

In all seriousness, this guy's injury problems are an issue. Either he should take some time off and sort himself out or he must be available every game. We cannot afford to have constant changing in the team, especially in the locks. Injuries are part and parcel of modern rugby but even I can spot the pattern with Bekker. He cannot be relied upon to play 80 minutes for 2 weeks running.

PS: My opening sentence is tongue-in-cheek for anyone to slow to catch;-)

Posted 09:06 21st August 2012