JJ Harmse

Pretoria – Bulls and Springbok lock Bakkies Botha is not just suffering under disciplinary officers – he was also under the knife on Wednesday.

Botha underwent an operation to his knee to remove some loose cartilage. As a result he will not be able to play for the next three weeks.

He is suspended for the next three weeks in any event and will only be available for the Springboks in their forthcoming series against Italy.

It’s no secret that Bok coach Peter de Villiers will not be picking his strongest side against Italy, but Botha may well be used because of his current injury and suspension.

Botha is a must for the Tri-Nations and will fly out with the Boks to Auckland on July 4.

However, it may be a risk to play him then if his last game was the one against the Stormers at Newlands two weeks ago.

Botha has only played in three Bulls games this year after undergoing an ankle operation. He may therefore feel very rested, but he is also rusty.

De Villiers could decide to use Botha in at least one but he will probably be used in both Tests against Italy to ensure he’s fit for the clash against the All Blacks at Eden Park on July 10.

Meanwhile, the Lions’ American player, Todd Clever, also underwent a shoulder operation.

Clever, one of the few Lions players to be able to hold his head high after a desperately poor season injured his shoulder in their match against the Sharks.

He recently returned to the USA to undergo an operation. He will rejoin the Lions in August for the Currie Cup.