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Ex-Bok in ICU after hijacking

Cape Town - Former Springbok Hannes Strydom is in the intensive care unit of the Groenkloof hospital in Pretoria after suffering injuries in an attempted hijacking.

Strydom's former team-mate, Hennie le Roux, confirmed that the former lock suffered a cracked skull and a stab wound.

“He managed to fight off six people who attempted the hijacking. He then drove himself to the hospital and was placed in ICU," Le Roux told Ballz Radio on Tuesday.

Le Roux said Strydom was on his way home from gym in the Pretoria area when the incident occurred.

"Hannes, being the person that he is, tried to protect his assets and in the process (got injured). They were throwing rocks through the windscreen and he cracked his skull through his eye socket down towards his mouth. So he had it full frontal, from the face. Let's hope and pray that he recovers quickly and appropriately."

Le Roux said he spoke to Strydom’s wife who said the former lock was in a stable condition.

“He is starting to show improvement, which we’re very pleased about.”

Strydom and Le Roux were both members of the victorious Springbok team that won the 1995 Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.

Strydom, 49, played 21 Tests for the Springboks between 1993 and 1997.

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