Pieter-Steph could be back for Boks
The Springboks had their first training session on Monday morning in Durban and a number of players were assessed ahead of Saturday's Test match at Growthpoint Kings Park.
Perhaps the biggest news locally is that Cell C Sharks lock Pieter-Steph du Toit could be in the selection mix. The burly lock played 40 minutes for the Sharks in their Currie Cup preseason match against the Lions last Friday. Springbok doctor Craig Roberts said Du Toit had come through the match unscathed.
"Pieter-Steph played his first game for the Sharks over the weekend. The feedback was that he went really well. We're happy with him at the moment and he did a full training session today. If he gets through the rest of the week he'll be available for selection," Roberts said.
Regular Springbok captain Jean de Villiers and veteran scrumhalf Fourie du Preez are also back in full training. Depending on how they go over the next two days, they could feature this weekend. Sharks flank Willem Alberts is also back in training and will be assessed as the week goes.
Meanwhile four freshly injured players were ruled out of action this week by the Bok Doc.
"The guys we are not considering for this weekend and are managing are as follows. Victor (Matfield) with his hamstring strain. He is doing really well but he won't be ready for the first game. JP Pietersen also hurt his hamstring, he's in a similar boat and may be ready for the second game depending on how he progresses this week," Roberts said.
"Jannie du Plessis has a medial knee ligament sprain and won't be available this week either and Francois Louw has a rotator cuff tear. He injured his shoulder and will miss both Argentina games but should be fit for the World Cup which is crucial for us."
Flyhalf Handre Pollard availability is also in doubt. The pivot took a knock to the head against the All Blacks. He passed two concussion test, one during the match and directly afterwards. But a third test two days later showed Pollard suffered a late-onset concussion and he will be checked out again as the week goes on.
Stormers eighthman Duane Vermeulen is still going through rehabilitation on his neck, and will only be available after the Rugby Championship.
Meanwhile forwards and attack coach Johann van Graan took stock after the Boks' first two Rugby Championship games. South Africa suffered two losses in a row, but Van Graan was confident ahead of the Test in Durban.
"It was two fantastic Test matches over the past two weekends and it came down to two TMO calls that went against us. We might have sat here playing for the Rugby Championship this weekend,” Van Graan said.
"I think our attacking mindset has been fantastic. I thought some of the rugby we played against New Zealand was some of the best over the past four years. The big thing for us is to put more of those opportunities into points.”
“It was frustrating turning 10-all. But we had a great video session this morning and everyone responded well and we know we are on the right track. At the end of the day, you’ve got to win and that is all that counts. We are excited for this week and the guys can’t wait to get the ball in their hands.”
The Springboks will announce their team for this weekend’s match on Wednesday.
(File Photo: Andre Bloem)
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