Cape Town - Springbok flanker Willem Alberts has been called up as replacement for lock Lood de Jager, who was ruled out of action for up to two weeks.
The lock injured his knee on Saturday in the 23-17 loss suffered against the Wallabies in Brisbane. Following recent injuries to Siya Kolisi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe and the specific loose forward need in the team, it was decided to call on the versatile and
eperienced Alberts.
Alberts currently plays for Stade Français and will join
the Springbok squad on Monday
in Christchurch. He can also play at number eight
and lock and has already earned 38 Test caps
for the Springboks.
Faf de Klerk and Johan Goosen, who both underwent
scans on Saturday evening after the match, will remain
with the squad and both players will be given enough
time to recover from their niggles.
However, the squad have sufficient cover
in both positions.
Scrumhalf De Klerk received a blow to the
chest while fullback Goosen landed awkwardly
on his ankle after he contested a high ball.
The Springboks travelled to New Zealand from
Brisbane on Sunday and their expected time of arrival
at their Christchurch destination is approximately midnight.
The squad will have gym recovery sessions on
Monday and they resume their field training on
Tuesday morning. South Africa play New Zealand
on Saturday in their fourth Rugby Championship
match of the year.
