DHL Western Province centre Juan de Jongh has been called up to the Springbok squad in the place of the injured JP Pietersen.
rugby15.co.za
The Sharks winger Pietersen fractured his thumb in the Vodacom Super Rugby final in Hamilton on Saturday. He underwent scans on Monday and will undergo an operation on Wednesday. The normal recovery time for such an injury is six to eight weeks.
The 24-year-old De Jongh made his Springbok debut against Wales in 2010 and has 10 Test caps to his name, the last coming at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand last year.
“We decided to pick Juan as he provides midfield cover, an area where we are perhaps a bit thin now that JP is out,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.
“JP was going to provide cover for us at outside centre, while JJ Engelbrecht and Francois Hougaard can also be used on the wing, especially as Bjorn Basson is out for another six weeks.
“Losing JP is obviously a massive blow as he’s been playing some superb rugby lately, but Juan has also been in good form for the DHL Stormers and was one of the unlucky players to miss out on initial selection.
“It’s great to have Juan involved as he brings new energy with him. This call-up just shows again that no player is ever completely out of the equation.”
De Jongh, who is based in Cape Town, had his first session with the Springboks on Monday afternoon.
Apparently, it looks like Schalk Burger is out for the rest of the season, A Coetzee says he hasn’t responded well to treatment.
Etzebeth also in doubt, with a hip injury.
Ai Morkel, as jy daardie lyn en lengte wil boul, dan verdien jy om hard geslaan te word.
I will be surprised if Schalk plays at the top level again. I hope he does but I’m skeptical. De Jongh should have been in the squad to start with, but nice to see him there, he’s a class player.
Glad Juan de Jongh is in, massive pity about JP Pietersen’s injury though!
Kan Side Show Bob nie seer kry nie.
@ grootblousmile:
He’s been in fantastic form for sure, a real pity. Who do you think will play in his place? Basson? Mvovo?
Chiliboy also has a niggle, but should be fit in time
Bakkies back on the radar again
7 @ Stormersboy:
Bjorn Basson has had an operation, in New Zealand, tore some intestines in the Bulls last match against the Saders… so it should be Mvovo
@ grootblousmile:
Yes I remember that, Aplon was called up for cover wasn’t he?
I’d have gone with him again personally. Not because he’s a WP guy, but because he’s a great wing. I have concerns over Mvovo’s defensive frailties. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong.
Why replace a wing with a centre?
12 @ Loosehead:
Because Heyneke had already chosen JJ Engelbrecht at No 13… but JJ Engelbrecht should actually be a reserve winger and not outside centre, that’s where most of his playing experience lies.
To my mind the choice is right of Juan de Jongh, our numbers were thin at No 13, with Jean de Villiers (actually a No 12) having to fll in as first choice outside centre.
Which other specialist outside centres are there?
JP & JJ are the natural cover for centre, now that one is out they had to go with a centre
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