Share

Injury blow for Blitzbokke

Cape Town - Springbok Sevens forward Chris Dry will miss the last two rounds of the Sevens World Series in Glasgow and London as a result of the back injury he sustained in Hong Kong, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) confirmed on Wednesday.

Dry made a landmark 35th World Series tournament appearance in Hong Kong where the Blitzbokke won the plate final and his injury will come as a blow for the South Africans.

The Blitzbokke have appeared in five World Series cup finals so far this season, winning titles in Port Elizabeth and Las Vegas. With just two events remaining in Glasgow (3-4 May) and London (10-11 May) before the curtain falls on a drama-filled season, they are currently seven points adrift of log-leaders New Zealand on the overall standings.

According to South Africa's medical team, Dry will be out of action for 10 to 12 weeks. Depending on how his injury responds to treatment, he could possibly recover in time to be considered for the Commonwealth Games in July in Glasgow.

Cecil Afrika, an influential playmaker, is also doubtful for the final two tournaments after he suffered a groin strain in Hong Kong. He is currently busy with his rehabilitation programme at the team’s base in Stellenbosch, where the medical team is monitoring his recovery efforts closely.

The two setbacks aside, there was also a good measure of positive news regarding the injury status of four other squad members.

Regular captain Kyle Brown is on course to recover fully from the blow to the head he received against France in the opening match in Hong Kong, while Branco du Preez (sore cheek), Seabelo Senatla (hamstring) and Phillip Snyman should all be fit and available for selection for the important trip to the United Kingdom.

This is a considerable boost for Neil Powell, the Blitzbokke coach, who will announce his 12-man squad on Wednesday, April 23, two days before they fly out to Glasgow.

The full training squad will resume their preparations on April 14 in Stellenbosch following a short break.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
32% - 1843 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1810 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1100 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 470 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 193 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 261 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE