Share

Coetzee hints at all-SA based side to face France

Cape Town - The Springboks could field an all South African-based side in the first Test against France at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

With an injury ruling out loose forward Duane Vermeulen and scrumhalf Francois Hougaard only joining the team on Monday from Worcester Warriors in England, Coetzee said he might in all likelihood select a local-based starting line-up against the powerful French.

Toulon's Vermeulen suffered a shoulder injury in the French Top 14 final on Sunday, while Hougaard's arrival just a week prior to the Test match is also not ideal.

Centres Lionel Mapoe and Damian de Allende have also been ruled out of the first Test. Mapoe is in the final stages of recovery from a hamstring injury, while De Allende is still recovering from the quad contusion he sustained while playing for the Stormers in the last round of Super Rugby action.

Vermeulen's injury is a particularly big blow for the Boks, according to Coetzee.

“Duane will still join us on Tuesday and our team doctor will then assess him further, while he may also see a specialist to determine the severity of the injury,” said Coetzee.

“He is a world-class player and his injury is a blow not only because of his experience, but also because of his knowledge of playing with the French players. Having said that, our training has been good and I am happy with the progress and the attitude of the players at our camps," said Coetzee.

Kick-off for Saturday's clash at Loftus Versfeld is scheduled for 17:00.

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
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2241 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