Rugby Championship
Bismarck blow for Boks
2012-08-18 20:38
Bismarck du Plessis (Gallo)
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Cape Town - Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis will not travel to Argentina on
Sunday when the Springboks leave South Africa to play the Pumas in
Mendoza next Saturday.
The hooker injured his knee very early in the Test match at DHL Newlands
and was stretchered off and replaced by Adriaan Strauss.
According to Springbok coach, Heyneke Meyer, the extent of the injury is unclear, but early indications are not good.
“He will probably miss the rest of the season,” Meyer indicated.
A replacement will be called in the next day or so, he said.
The Springboks will travel to Mendoza with Adriaan Strauss and Tiaan
Liebenberg, who joined the squad late in the week following an injury to
Chiliboy Ralepelle.
“We have some hookers injured, but will not panic,” Meyer said.
The Bok coach expressed his satisfaction with his side’s 27-6 win to open their Castle Rugby Championship campaign.
“We played well at times and although it is a pity that we did not get
the bonus point, I am pleased. The players gave it their all and I
cannot ask for more.”
The coach was very pleased for Mornè Steyn, who kicked five out of five kicks to the poles.
“He responded the way I expected of him. He worked hard to get back to his best and was rewarded tonight.”
Springbok captain, Jean de Villiers, also praised Steyn.
“He did not deserve the flak he was getting, but proved those critics
wrong with a very good display. I am also very happy for Frans Steyn,
who played in his 50th test match. And we can cap two more Springboks in
JJ Engelbrecht and Pat Cilliers, another great occasion.”
He feels Argentina proved that calls for their inclusion were justified.
“They are very hard to break down and proved that they can play at this
level. They will certainly be a factor in the tournament,” De Villiers
said.