Lions in SA
Who will replace Bakkies?
2009-06-30 08:45
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No immediate replacement (Gallo Images)
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JJ HarmsePretoria – Bulls centre Wynand Olivier will get his chance to take on the British and Irish Lions on Saturday at Coca-Cola Park as the Springboks attempt to win the series 3-0, but Victor Matfield’s fellow lock is still uncertain.
His regular partner Bakkies Botha has been suspended for two weeks, but the Springbok team management has already indicated that an appeal against his suspension would be lodged.
The process could however take a day or two. Andries Bekker and Danie Rossouw, who would have been possible replacements, are both battling injuries.
Rossouw was left disorientated after an unpunished high tackle by Lions centre Brian O’Driscoll and is being examined for concussion, while Bekker sustained a grade one tear of cartilage in his knee and underwent a scan on Monday night.
Johann Muller has meanwhile already joined the squad and could run out with Matfield if Botha’s appeal fails and Rossouw is given time to rest.
The Springbok team management also appealed against Schalk Burger’s eight-week suspension, but the chance of having that overturned appear slim, which means that Heinrich Brüssow will start in the No 6 jersey.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said the depth in SA rugby made choosing a team a tricky, yet pleasant conundrum.
“Let’s be honest, it's not easy to replace guys like John Smit, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger. If you're forced to, it will cause an adjustment in the way you want to play because they give the team a specific mixture of experience and know-how.”
Olivier could play alongside Bulls team-mate Morné Steyn, while Jaque Fourie should finally get a spot in the starting XV. Jean de Villiers is still battling a sore shoulder, but an examination showed he should be fit to play.
It has been learnt that at least four players who have not yet played against the Lions, would get a chance to do so. Olivier is one, while No 8 Ryan Kankowski and wings Jongi Nokwe and Odwa Ndungane will also be given a chance. Olivier last played in the World Cup under Jake White, while Nokwe and Ndungane’s last Test was in last year’s Tri-Nations while Kankowski last played in November against England.
There was concern over scrumhalf Fourie du Preez’s shoulder, but according to the team’s fitness expert, Neels Liebel, the No 9 would be fit.
“This is an injury that he has been carrying around since the Super 14 but we are full of confidence that he will be ready for the third Test.”
Steyn was brilliant when he came on at Loftus Versfeld and could replace Pienaar with the latter being moved to the substitute's bench.
De Villiers said the Springboks' pride and their will to win would ensure no easy ride for the Lions. “We don’t need any further motivation to make it 3-0. The guys will be ready, don’t you worry about that.”
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