England pair Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes are doubts for the November Tests after suffering knee injuries in Northampton’s defeat by Saracens.
bbc
Both players were forced off before half-time and Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder said they would be assessed by England staff on Sunday.
Hartley’s injury in particular is a major problem for England head coach Stuart Lancaster. The only other hooker in the senior squad is Leicester’s Tom Youngs. Bath’s Rob Webber and Harlequins’ Joe Gray are injured while another Bath hooker, Lee Mears, has retired from international rugby.
It is likely that London Irish’s David Paice, who was in the most recent Saxons squad, will be called up to the senior squads for the Tests against Fiji, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
“They’ve done something, but we will know a lot more later,” said Mallinder.
“They are the sort of characters that if they had just got a knock they wouldn’t have come off.”
Lock Lawes had a long lay-off last season because of an injury to his right knee but this time the problem was with his left knee.
Lancaster will be hoping they both recover for Northampton’s clash against Leicester at Welford Road next Saturday.
Will be a big blow for England if these two can’t play and make it a bit easier for the Boks
Brian O’Driscoll may also miss the tests for Ireland, he looked in a lot of pain after picking up an ankle injury playing for Leinster yesterday. Big pity for him,but yet another possible boost for the Boks.
Springbok Squad of 31 announced. Thought there were gonna be 32
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The Springbok squad for the Castle Outgoing Tour to Ireland, Scotland and England:
Willem Alberts The Sharks Loose forward 17 Tests
Arno Botha Vodacom Blue Bulls Loose forward 0
Schalk Brits Saracens, England Hooker 3
Pat Cilliers MTN Golden Lions Prop 3
Marcell Coetzee The Sharks Loose forward 9
Juan de Jongh DHL Western Province Centre 12
Jean de Villiers (captain) DHL Western Province Centre 81
Jannie du Plessis The Sharks Prop 39
Eben Etzebeth DHL Western Province Lock 8
Francois Hougaard Vodacom Blue Bulls Scrumhalf / Wing 24
Elton Jantjies MTN Golden Lions Flyhalf 2
Zane Kirchner Vodacom Blue Bulls Fullback 21
Juandré Kruger Vodacom Blue Bulls Lock 5
Pat Lambie The Sharks Fullback 17
Francois Louw Bath, England Loose forward 14
Lionel Mapoe MTN Golden Lions Wing / Centre 0
Tendai Mtawarira The Sharks Prop 41
Lwazi Mvovo The Sharks Wing 7
Ruan Pienaar Ulster, N Ireland Scrumhalf 60
JP Pietersen The Sharks Wing / Centre 45
Chiliboy Ralepelle Vodacom Blue Bulls Hooker 21
Raymond Rhule Toyota FS Cheetahs Wing 0
Gurthrö Steenkamp Toulouse, France Prop 38
Morné Steyn Vodacom Blue Bulls Flyhalf 41
Adriaan Strauss Toyota FS Cheetahs Hooker 18
Jaco Taute MTN Golden Lions Utility back 2
CJ van der Linde MTN Golden Lions Prop 73
Flip van der Merwe Vodacom Blue Bulls Lock 20
Franco van der Merwe MTN Golden Lions Lock 0
Jano Vermaak Vodacom Blue Bulls Scrumhalf 0
Duane Vermeulen DHL Western Province No 8 4
Really pleased to see Rhule getting selected. Also Guthro and not surprised to see Brits name there either. Thought Franco or Bresler would get a call up.
Other than that no surprises.
Really thought Meyer would have given Ludik a chance. Jeez what must a player do to get selected for the Boks?
So it seems that Lambie will be warming the bench again covering FB?????????? If so Meyer has no clue at all. Lambie is a flyhalf. After that he can play very well at 12 and 15. However it is at fh where he excels.
Having another look at those names, no Deon Fourie. Thought he may make the squad. Knew Meyer would leav our Keegan. Feel for Keegan, but really rather we keep him for the Sharks injury free for next year’s Super15.
Would love to see Meyer have the guts to start with Rhule at wing. Jeez imagine Rhule and JPP on the wings? Hectic for the other team to face them…lol. Hougard is a impact player. Would have him on the bench.
meant = leave
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