MONDAY, 9.00AM:
SOUTH African rugby has hit a crisis of confidence with Saturday’s 18-15 defeat of the Springboks to the touring British Lions.
Despite an inspired performance, the Boks lost the game and, with it, the series because of the lack of a consistent goal kicker. Meanwhile, flanker Ruben Kruger is ruled out of further contention by the groin injury that saw him off the field on Saturday, while hooker Naka Drotske and lock Mark Andrews are doubtful starters for the final Test, which will now be no more than a training exercuse for the Lions.
The injury crisis is so serious that coach Carel du Plessis has delayed the selection of his side until Monday.Free State flanker Johan Erasmus and Blue Bulls lock Krynauw Otto have rejoined the squad, and Du Plessis will be looking hopefully at Japie Mulder, Edrich Lubbe and James Small, who were earlier forced out of the squad by injury.