Butch James, Jacques Cronje and Pierre Spies will all miss the second of South Africa’s two Tests against England this coming weekend after sustaining knee injuries during the side’s 23-21 defeat by the world champions at Twickenham on Saturday, a team statement said.
Flyhalf James scored 13 of the Springboks’ points, including one of their two tries, against England on Saturday and his injury 20 minutes from time, which forced him off the field, arguably changed the course of the game.
Number eight Cronje also had to be replaced while impressive blindside flanker Spies soldiered on.
The statement, issued by Springbok team manager Zola Yeye and coach Jake White, said the trio would all be returning home.
Back-rower Juan Smith, who started in the 32-15 tour opening defeat by Ireland but missed the first of the two back-to-back clashes with England, was, the statement said, having his calf injury monitored and treated in camp.
South Africa have called up loose forwards Gerrie Britz, Kabamba Floors and Wikus van Heerden to their squad and the trio are expected to arrive in London on Monday and start with preparations on Tuesday.
After this Saturday’s match, South Africa conclude a tour marking the centenary of their first visit to the British Isles with a clash against a World XV at Leicester, central England, on December 3. — AFP
