The Springboks will have a new right wing when they tackle the Wallabies in a Tri-Nations encounter in Brisbane at the Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
Adnaan Mohamed writes for News 24 that Springbok winger JP Pietersen and lock forward Andries Bekker was sent home after sustaining injuries in Saturday’s 32-25 over Australia at the Subiaco Oval in Perth.
Pietersen pulled a hamstring while Bekker injured his shoulder.
According to Springbok media manager, Anthony McKaiser, no replacements will be called for to replace the two injured players.
“We will just have to rely on the players that we have available on tour,” McKaiser said after the Boks touched down in Brisbane on Sunday.
On Saturday Adrian Jacobs replaced Pietersen on the wing. Bekker picked up his injury when he came on as a second half replacement at lock.
McKaiser said Danie Rossouw should have recovered from his hamstring strain by Saturday and should provide cover for Bekker.
Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers, however has to think long and hard on who will replace Pietersen against the Wallabies on Saturday.
The Bok coach has to decide if he is going to continue with Jacobs (essentially a centre) on the wing. He also has the option of including a specialist winger like Odwa Ndungane in the starting line-up.
De Villiers can also move Jaque Fourie out to the wing with Jacobs slotting in at outside centre. Jean de Villiers has played many Tests for the Boks on the wing in the past, but it is unlikely that De Villiers will pursue that option.
Fran Steyn who replaced Ruan Pienaar at fullback in the second half on Saturday is possibly De Villiers safest option. Steyn made his debut there for the Boks. Defensively he is sound. He is safe under the high ball and also has a booming boot.
Tweet
I suppose Fourie on the wing with Adi at outside center could work. 🙄
Bekker seems to get injured a lot.
@Lyndy_in_Mtl (Comment 2) : Not too much of a loss though. I’d prefer Pakslae ahead of him anyway. For that matter I’d prefer a number of other locks to Bekker, including even Skinny Albert.
@Lyndy_in_Mtl (Comment 2) :
I was thinking the same thing last night when I read this.
So now Albert is a better lock than Bekker??
I give up. 🙄
@wpw (Comment 5) : It’s just that I don’t rate Bekker at all
@MysticShark (Comment 6) : me neither. He’s a show pony
Each to their own I guess.
But then again, you rate Ruan as a better flyhalf than Morne Steyn!!!
@robdylan (Comment 7) :
Me three…
i unfortunately missed the game due to our “Hokkie Bokkie” playing on Saturday…was it a good game?
Seems a bit of a weekend on upsets..WP, Cheethas, Lions, Leopards… 😯
I think I am out of LMS!! 😳
@wpw (Comment 8) : you can’t seem to make up your mind on that point. Just stirring as usual? No wonder nobody takes you seriously!
In fact, I recall you yourself also slating Bekker on this blog numerous times in the not-too-distant past. Make up your mind.
I’m not gonna miss Bekker at all…
Get well soon gents.