Good news coming out of the Springbok camp is that flyhalf Handré Pollard and lock Eben are well on the road to recovery after both sustained concussion against New Zealand earlier in October.
Both are currently busy with their final return to play protocols.
Etzebeth also twisted his ankle during a training session and as a precaution, he was taken for an MRI scan, which revealed a low-grade ligament injury, but he should be available for the first tour match on November 11.
Springbok coach Allister Coetzee said he is satisfied with the results of the Springbok medical and conditioning assessment camp which took place over a four-day period and was concluded in Cape Town on Thursday.
Eleven Springbok players attended the camp, which Coetzee described as an important part of the Springboks’ overall preparations for the upcoming Castle Lager Outgoing Tours to Europe.
“We had a similar camp before the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and I am pleased to once more say that this camp was a very good, productive exercise and that I am delighted that we achieved our goals for the week,” said Coetzee.
According to the Springbok coach, the brief but important get together will be of great benefit for the team’s forthcoming European tour, which consists of Tests against Ireland, France, Italy and Wales on consecutive Saturdays. The Boks’ first Test is against Ireland on 11 November in Dublin.
“This group of players were last in action almost three weeks ago against New Zealand in Cape Town, so apart from the much-needed rest, it is also very important that they are rugby ready when the full squad gets together next week in Johannesburg,” explained Coetzee. – African News Agency (ANA) /
