JOHANNESBURG: Warren Whiteley has replaced fellow back-rower Willem Alberts in the South Africa squad for Rugby Championship Tests in Australia and New Zealand next month.
Alberts, who missed narrow home and away wins over Argentina
this month in the southern hemisphere competition through injury, was
included in a 30-man squad named three days ago.
However, his inclusion was conditional on passing a fitness
test in Johannesburg and the Springboks medical staff believe Alberts
has not fully recovered from a hamstring injury.
"Willem requires further investigation of the symptoms and
will see specialists to determine the optimal management plan to get him
back on the field," said team doctor Craig Roberts on Thursday.
Whiteley skippered the Lions this season to their best Super
Rugby showing and
travelled to Argentina last week, but did not play in
the 33-31 Test win.
"Warren really impressed me last week - he has been playing
very well and it made sense to get him back in," said South Africa coach
Heyneke Meyer.
"Like Willem, he is very effective with ball in hand and also a great option at the back of the lineout.
"More importantly, Warren is a natural No.8, a position where we need cover, but he can play flank as well."
Toulon loose forward Juan Smith was originally on stand-by should Alberts not be able to travel, but pulled out, believing he needs to work on his match fitness.
"Juan has very high standards and was not happy with his performance in Salta," explained Meyer.
The Springboks play the Wallabies on September 6 in Perth and the All Blacks on September 13 in Wellington.
South Africa top the table after two rounds with eight points, title-holders New Zealand have seven, and Argentina and Australia two each.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/boks-replace-willem-alberts-ahead-of-wallabies-20140829-109to9.html#ixzz3BmCIOfV9
