Injury ends Bok centre Kriel's Rugby World Cup campaign
Springbok centre Jesse Kriel’s Rugby World Cup campaign is over after failing to recover from a hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old has not trained since the Springboks 23-13 loss to the All Blacks in their opening match of the campaign, where he picked up the injury.
The Springbok management confirmed the news on Tuesday evening in Shizuoka, after Kriel failed to regain fitness. It is understood that he wouldn’t have been match fit by the end of the pool stages.
It is a sad outcome for the experienced midfielder, given that the Springbok management had been confident that Kriel would be back in training this week. The centre had his boots on at practice on Monday and jogged a couple of lengths around the field - although he did so gingerly.
READ: Pollard - Boks have been simulating pressure situations
The media had to leave the ground after the first 15 minutes of practice, so this writer cannot confirm if Kriel undertook a fitness test.
The injury means that 21-year-old utility back Damian Willemse will join the Springbok squad this week and is expected to join the camp on Thursday in Shizuoka. He’s been on loan at the Saracens in England in order to stay match fit.
Springbok director of rugby Rassie Erasmus says that Willemse offers the most versatility of his player group on standby, which was the main reason for his call-up to replace Kriel.
“Damian would have been more involved with us this year but for injury, but he is familiar with our systems and should have no problem slotting in. He has the ability to play in a number of positions in the back division, while other players can cover Jesse’s No 13 jersey,” Erasmus said.
The Springboks meet Italy in their third pool B game of the competition on Friday. Kickoff is at 11h45 South African time.
Catch up on the latest Rugby World Cup updates powered by Hollywoodbets
