OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Thursday 11.00pm.
SPRINGBOK hooker James Dalton may not make the starting line-up for the Springboks in their rugby Test against Ireland at Lansdowne Road after injuring a hamstring during practice on Thursday.
Dalton injured the muscle on Tuesday during a gym session in Cork, but trained with the team on Wednesday. Dalton, however, aggravated the strain on Thursday and did not complete practice.
Dalton is most likely to be replaced by Naka Drotske if he has not recuperated by Saturday morning. In the event of Drotske taking the position, Ollie le Roux or Owen Nkumane will take up the reserve hooking berth.
The blow is a big one, as Dalton’s physical approach will be missed especially as Irish hooker Keith Wood is certain to employ a very physical strategy against his opposite number.
THEY SAID IT
“Without wanting to detract from some of the chaps who have played for us, I reckon this is one of the best attacks we have put into the field for some time. It is definitely one of the best balanced.”
SOUTH African cricket coach Bob Woolmer on the fine bowling performance by the South African team on the first day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Thursday.