Pierre Spies is the latest injury worry for the Springboks joining a host of loose forwards who are either out or in doubt for Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash against Australia in Durban.
The Bulls No 8 is still struggling with a groin problem that has plagued him in recent months.
Also struggling is Danie Rossouw, who has fallen ill, with the pair joining Willem Alberts (shoulder) as doubtful starters for the match in Durban.
“We reassessed his groin and weren’t happy with where it is,” said South Africa team doctor Craig Roberts. “He’s been sent for a scan and we’re now waiting for the results of the scan to see where he is exactly in terms of his availability for this weekend.
“I’ll know more after I see the results.” On Rossouw’s struggles with illness Roberts said the Bull’s loose forward was still on a drip on Sunday. “He’s been on a drip yesterday and we’ll see how he is tomorrow. Hopefully he should be able to train tomorrow. We’ll have to make that call on him tomorrow.”
Roberts said that Alberts has been struggling with shoulder and back problems. “He [Alberts] has been doing some rehab with his back as you know. He did injure his back a bit with the rehab and it’s a bit stiff at the moment. We are going to make a call on him later in the week.” Schalk Burger (hand) and Juan Smith (Achilles) were also being rehabilitated with the squad.
Sharks No 8 Ryan Kankowski and Cheetahs’ Ashley Johnson have been brought in as cover.
The injury crisis means that Jean Deysel was the only fully-fit loose forward in the squad, with Heinrich Brussow, on his way back from injury, the other player added to the team at the weekend.
Revised Springbok squad for the match against Australia on Saturday:
Backs: Gio Aplon, Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana, Jaque Fourie, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Morne Steyn, Butch James, Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez and Francois Hougaard.
Forwards: Pierre Spies, Jean Deysel, Danie Rossouw, Ryan Kankowski, Ashley Johnson, Heinrich Brssow, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Gerhard Mostert, John Smit (captain), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira, Jannie du Plessis, Gurthr Steenkamp and CJ van der Linde. — Sapa