Beeno gets it right but Moz and M ike struggling - to put it diplomatically!
The sight of Trevor Nyakane limping in considerable discomfort from the field in the second half should arguably have been as concerning to the Springboks as their loss to the All Blacks in Yokohama.
The two coaches, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and All Black mentor Steve Hansen, were right when they said both before and after the game that the result wouldn’t make a big difference to what the respective teams would face going forward in their attempt to win the competition. Provided one team didn’t put the other away by a big score, they’d remain on track for a possible return clash in the final at the same venue on 2 November.
But what could have hurt the respective teams was injuries. The sight of Pieter-Steph du Toit going down grimacing in discomfort towards the end would have sent the alarm bells ringing through the ranks of Bok supporters, but fortunately Erasmus was able to confirm afterwards that the flank was just struggling with cramp.(huge work rate)
That is good news as Du Toit is one player the Boks can’t afford to lose (please note Dr Mozzz). Another is Cheslin Kolbe. He was also just struggling with cramp towards the end. The news though on Nyakane is not good, and as he may arguably be the strongest tighthead in the group and pivotal to the Bok plans to shift momentum late in games, he could be a big loss.(please NOTE OU maaaikie. What did Beeno tell you !!!)
"Trevor has a calf injury and that is not good news for us but fortunately that is the only injury," said Erasmus.
Of course, there is still plenty of time to wait on Nyakane’s fitness before the next really big game, which will be the quarterfinal in October should they get there. It appears unlikely he will play again in the World Cup. An assessment on the injury is expected over the weekend but there is a strong possibility he may have to head back to South Africa.
Here is hoping Trevor will recover!!!!!!
