MONDAY, 9.30AM:
THE Springboks’ star scrumhalf, Joost Westhuizen, could be out of rugby for six months after tearing a groin muscle in the weekend game against France. “Joost could be sidelined for a minimum of three months, possible for as long as six,” confirmed coach Nich Mallett, who will get a final verdict from the doctors on Monday. “He is the most experienced scrumhalf in SA and won’t be easily replaced,” says Mallett. “The big difference between him and the rest is his exceptional strength on defence.”
A new-look Springbok team beat France 36-32 in the first rugby series in Lyon on Saturday, playing an entertaining running game The Springboks seemed to have the game sewn up 36-15, when the French staged an astonishing come-back, with three tries in the final twelve minutes.
French captain Phillipe St Andre was suprised with the determination of the players from both camps. “The intensity of the match and the standard of the play was something I have never experienced before,” he said.
Coach Nick Mallett was full of praise for the attacking play of fullback Percy Montgomery, who scored his sixth try in seven tests, and Krynauw Otto. “It was a day when Krynauw came of age as a test player,” said Mallett. “He has blown hot and cold in the international career so far, but today he stood up to be counted.”