Alberts gets call up to replace injured De Jager

Springboks Lood de Jager has been ruled out for two weeks with a severely bruised knee. Photo: Dave Hunt

Springboks Lood de Jager has been ruled out for two weeks with a severely bruised knee. Photo: Dave Hunt

Published Sep 11, 2016

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Christchurch – Experienced Springbok loose-forward Willem Alberts has been called up as a replacement for lock Lood de Jager, who was today ruled out of rugby for up to two weeks with a severely bruised knee.

Alberts, who hasn’t featured in any of coach Allister Coetzee’s squads this season, currently plays for French club Stade Francais and will join the Bok squad on Monday in Christchurch.

He can also play at number eight and lock and has already earned 38 Test caps for the Springboks.

DeJager, South Africa’s Rugby Player of the Year in 2015, injured his knee on Saturday in the 23-17 loss to Australia in Brisbane.

Following recent injuries to Siya Kolisi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe and the specific loose forward need in the team, it was decided to call on the versatile and experienced Alberts, said a Springbok press release today.

Meanwhile, Faf de Klerk and Johan Goosen, who both underwent scans on Saturday evening after the match, will remain with the squad and both players will be given enough time to recover from their niggles.

However, the squad have sufficient cover in both positions. Scrumhalf De Klerk received a blow to the chest while fullback Goosen landed awkwardly on his ankle after he contested a high ball.

The Springboks travelled to New Zealand from Brisbane on Sunday and their expected time of arrival at their Christchurch destination is approximately midnight.

The squad will have gym recovery sessions on Monday and they resume their field training on Tuesday morning. Ends

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