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Cape Town - Springbok Coenie Oosthuizen is heading home after a neck injury has seriously put his season - and perhaps his career - in jeopardy.
Check out Health24's expert view on neck pain
According to the supersport.com website, Oosthuizen is the second prop who faces such scrutiny and a possible career-threatening injury after Vodacom Bulls prop Frik Kirsten was on Wednesday ruled out “for at least four months” by his team’s medical staff with a damaged neck disc.
Oosthuizen is set to see a specialist on Monday to ascertain the extent of the neck injury, but initial diagnosis puts him out for at least a month, perhaps even two. There is also a worry that it will influence his chances of making the Springbok team again.
Ironically both Kirsten and Oosthuizen sustained injuries while playing tighthead, with both facing lengthy time on the sidelines.
The Cheetahs have flown out Rossouw de Klerk to Brisbane, and he should arrive in time to take his place on the bench in Friday’s game against the Reds, but the concern over Oosthuizen is likely to dominate talk in the next few weeks.
The burly prop, who played for the Springboks last year after making his debut in 2012, has had problems with his neck before, missing the England series in 2012 when he hurt it for the first time and was forced to miss most of the Rugby Championship in that year.
Oosthuizen returned and regained his place, but injured his back before last year’s November tour to Europe, ruling him out of the trip.
He then hurt his neck in the 35-14 loss to the Melbourne Rebels last week, and went for a scan on Monday, with the team management deciding to send him home that he can recouperate.
Drotske said Oosthuizen will see Dr Daan Hugo on Monday to ascertain the extent of the injury.
“We can’t speculate how long he is out for or how serious the injury is until he has seen the specialist. Hopefully he will be ready again in six weeks’ time.”
