Tri-Nations - Boks lose injured duo

Eurosport - Tue, 01 Sep 09:06:00 2009

South Africa have sent injured pair JP Pietersen and Andries Bekker home ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against Australia in Brisbane.

JP Pietersen - South Africa - 0

Winger Pietersen (pictured) tore his hamstring during the Springboks' 32-25 win over Australia in Perth on Saturday, while reserve lock Bekker sustained a shoulder injury.

Both returned to South Africa on Sunday.

Unbeaten South Africa, who need just one bonus point from their remaining two games to clinch the Tri-Nations, may also be without starting lock Bakkies Botha, who failed to train on Monday after sustaining knee and abdominal injuries.

Winger Bryan Habana also missed training with a groin injury, but should be fit to play at Lang Park.

Reuters

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  1. lookin...G

    From Donald D, on Mon 31 Aug 6:15PM

  2. Wouldnt be suprised if the coaches throw Fourie out on­ the wing, moves Frans Steyn to centre and keeps Pienaar­ at fullback. Dont think Pietersen will be missed­ especially, hes been AWOL for the last 6 test matches,­ Fouries speed and power makes him an ideal­ replacement
    But i expect PdVilliers will bring in­ Chavanga or someone
    They need someone who will come­ lookin for the ball, like Habana has been doing, as its­ not being thrown out wide at all.
    Hence my Fourie­ suggestion
    If Botha is inable to start or can only play­ a small part in the match, there lies the Wallabies way­ in. Undoubtedly SA s success has come, not from the­ front or backrow, but the engine room of Victor and­ Botha, and with Bekker out, theres a weakness. Its all­ a moot point if Nathan Sharpe doesnt recover anyway,­ because hes the only one who wil be able to exploit­ it
    Sorely missed at the weekend
    (Hope JP and Bekker­ recover ok)

    From moggie2727, on Mon 31 Aug 3:08PM
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