Goosen injury not as bad as feared

Editor

Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen's latest injury setback, sustained against Wales in Durban on Saturday, is not so serious.

Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen's latest injury setback, sustained against Wales in Durban on Saturday, is not so serious.

Goosen came on as a second half replacement in the Boks' 38-16 victory but lasted just four minutes before he was forced to leave the field.

Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts said although he was initially concerned about Goosen's condition, he has responded well to treatment and the injury-prone pivot could be available for selection in Saturday's second Test in Nelspruit.

“Johan Goosen was unfortunate as he received a knock on the outside of his knee almost immediately after he came onto the field,” Roberts told Supersport.

“We were concerned about that as it is the same knee where he has undergone ACL reconstruction. That was why we decided not to take chances and pull him off the field.

“However, he has undergone scans today (Monday) and the news from that was good. He has progressed nicely since Saturday.”

Full-back Willie le Roux and lock Bakkies Bakkies Botha also sustained minor injuries in Durban but are expected to be ruled fit for this weekend's Test.

“We had to make over 130 tackles and Wales over 200 (In the first Test),” added Roberts.

“So there are lots of bumps and bruises. Willie went off during the game after receiving a knock on the outside of the thigh. We call it a cork thigh.

“Towards the middle of the second half it started stiffening up. He won't train at the start of the week as this sort of injury usually takes a couple of days to settle. But he should be back later in the week.

“Bakkies was pulled off after half-time because he was taking strain with his Achilles and his calf because of the high intensity of the game.

“It was more a precaution than anything else. He should be fine to play.”