Rugby World Cup 2011
Lock crisis in Springbok camp
2011-09-05 22:11
Matfield and Botha with physio Rene Naylor (Gallo)
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Cape Town - Springbok locks Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield are in danger of missing the Boks' World Cup opener against Wales in Wellington on Sunday.
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According to the
Beeld newspaper, the pair have not yet recovered from injuries and are doubtful to take on the Dragons this weekend.
Botha is struggling with an ankle injury and did not complete his rehabilitation session when the Boks had their first decent training session at Rugby League Park on Monday.
Botha - who also struggles with a chronic knee problem - looked a dejected figure as he watched his team-mates train while applying ice to his left ankle.
Matfield is struggling with a hamstring injury and also trained separately from the other players. His injury does, however, not seem as serious as Botha's.
Coach Peter de Villiers will now only announce his team on Friday - clearly an indication that he wants to give Botha and Matfield enough time to prove their fitness.
Willem Alberts and Johann Muller trained as the lock-pair on Monday, but the versatile Danie Rossouw might be considered as a lock-option.
Rossouw also sat out the tactical session, but he gave
Beeld his assurance that he will be ready to play against the Welsh.
"I haven't talked to the coaches yet, but I am at this time used to playing in any position. I don't care where, as long as I get a chance to show my worth," said Rossouw.
The Bulls stalwart is keen to impress in New Zealand, as he will be off to play in Japan after the World Cup.
"This is an important tournament for me personally, as it is my last chance to add value to Springbok rugby, therefore I want to make it a big one."
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