A blessing in disguis

The following from SARU: The Springbok medical team is monitoring three players in the squad who have injury concerns ahead of the Test against New Zealand at the weekend.

A squad of 24 assembled in Johannesburg on Sunday to prepare for the first home Test of the Vodacom Tri-Nations at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.

Lock Danie Rossouw is receiving on-going treatment for a hip flexor injury sustained last week. Addressing a media conference today, team Doctor Craig Roberts, indicated that Rossouw was responding well to treatment and should be available for selection.

Flank Dewald Potgieter has whiplash sustained in an Absa Currie Cup match at the weekend whilst fullback Zane Kirchner twisted his knee in Absa Currie Cup action at the weekend.

Roberts said Potgieter was receiving treatment whilst Kirchner was to undergo a scan to provide clarity on the injury. He has since been ruled out with a knee cartilege injury

The remainder of the squad that is assembled in Johannesburg is available for selection. The match 22 will be named tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Springbok conditioning coach Neels Liebel has clarified the situation regarding the fitness levels of Springbok players.

Liebel told a media conference that whilst there were concerns over certain contracted Springboks regarding the amount of rugby they had played he was satisfied that these and other players were being effectively managed.

Liebel said that the rest period between the away and home legs of the Vodacom Tri-Nations campaign had come at the right time and was beneficial to the squad.

He added that several players would participate in an extended conditioning programme at the conclusion of the Tri-Nations tournament.