The Springboks have been handed a boost with prop Coenie Oosthuizen being cleared to play following an examination by a neurosurgeon.
Oosthuizen injured his neck during his Test debut against England in June. He spent almost three months doing rehabilitation and returned to the rugby field in a Currie Cup match a fortnight ago.
Following the match, Oosthuizen experienced some muscle stiffness and it was decided to send the prop for a further consultation with a neurosurgeon in Durban, who was in agreement with the previous assessments of his injury.
"We wanted to ensure that we don't put Coenie at undue risk by playing him," said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.
"The neurosurgeon is happy with his progress and the scans and has declared him fit to play."
Coach Heyneke Meyer was happy with the news.
"Our players are our greatest assets and I'm happy to have Coenie available again this weekend," said Meyer.
"We will always consider the players' welfare first which is why we decided to get several opinions on Coenie's neck."
The Boks' team to face New Zealand in Soweto on Saturday will be named on Wednesday.
Comments
martinmarais78 says...
new_j4a what happened with old_j4a? Having an identity crisis again?
Posted 15:43 03rd October 2012
new_j4a says...
@martinmarais78, are you refusing to take your medication again?
Posted 14:31 03rd October 2012
makemehappy says...
@rolf - you talking about the British Lions?? Surely not, as after the first test, he was in terrible trouble. You must be on about the Lions in the Super Rugby, but is that anything to boast about?
I would certainly not rate the Beast as a great scrummager. Not in terms of world class players.
Posted 11:25 03rd October 2012
rolf says...
martinmarais,
either you are sharks-hater or a yesterday man (despite your age).
Both are not suited well by a springbok-jersey.
I am a great Coenie fan from the little i was abel to see/read about him.
But it is difficult to forget how the Beast almost singlehandedly destroyed the Lions.
Both are great props, we can be happy to have both available.
Posted 08:34 03rd October 2012
hellovanite says...
"Our players are our greatest assets" say's Mr Meyer.... I'm sorry but that's almost as good as Mexteds "Big men are large" comment.... hahaha classic rugby heads
Posted 06:50 03rd October 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Yes! the inane comments are back!!. "our players are our greatest asset". Of course they are!
Posted 22:20 02nd October 2012
JayStarr says...
This is a massive boost. You WILL know when he is on the field.
Posted 18:27 02nd October 2012
martinmarais78 says...
Bring Coenie in for overated Beast!
Shark fans made something out of nothing with there Beaaaaast cheers... Guess not much else happening in Durban to cheer about except for ANOTHER imported player that may look like a star when you smoked boom...
Posted 17:29 02nd October 2012
daibok says...
Great news. Coenie will make a big difference.
Posted 16:58 02nd October 2012