RUGBY NEWS - Already a bit threadbare going into the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour without a number of first-choice players, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee was dealt another setback with the news that Cell C Sharks flanker Jean-Luc du Preez was ruled out of the tour with a broken ankle.
The injury, which was worse than feared, not only rules Du Preez out of the end of year tour, but also condems him to a lengthy period of rehabilitation where he is only likely to see action again sometime in Vodacom Super Rugby next year.
A replacement is set to be named within 24 hours – but most likely to come from a handful of players such as Nizaam Carr, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Paul Schoeman or even Toulon veteran Duane Vermeulen, who returned to action this weekend.
Coetzee announced the injury layoff, and hinted that there clearances would be needed before the replacement is announced, which may mean Vermeulen is an option, but then again, it may simply be bureaucratic procedures.
“It’s actually very sad for the player to miss out on the outgoing tour like this. He’s really done well, settled in nicely, out of this pack of forwards we are building,” Coetzee said in giving the injury update.
“Obviously the replacement will be decided on soonest. We have to go through a process now, and make sure that by tomorrow the replacement player has been announced. I’m fairly confident I’ve made up my mind that we will get who we want, and after I get the approval, it could be as early as tomorrow.”
Coetzee said he didn’t have any other injury concerns, with one or two players – like Bongi Mbonambi – struggling with a niggle or two.
