As if defeat to the All Blacks wasn’t bad enough, the Springboks were dealt another crushing blow this evening when it was announced that Bryan Habana will miss Saturday’s Tri Nations match against Australia.
Regarded by many as the best wing in world rugby, Habana is likely to be out of action for at least 10 days after failing a fitness test on an injured hamstring.
The Blue Bulls flyer limped out of last weekend’s 19-0 loss to New Zealand and could yet join Bakkies Botha in being ruled out for the remainder of his country’s Tri Nations campaign.
Peter de Villiers has added Sharks utility back Ruan Pienaar to his squad as Pienaar’s province are not in Currie Cup action this weekend, while Cheetahs winger Jongi Nokwe will also remain with the Boks.
Flanker Juan Smith, who returned home immediately after the match against the All Blacks to visit his wife and newborn baby girl, rejoined the squad earlier this evening.
Hooker Bismarck du Plessis was not at today’s training as he is suffering from "bumps and bruises", while back row forward Danie Rossouw has undergone a lower back scan. Both should be fit to play in Durban on Saturday, However.
De Villiers will decide whether or not to replace Habana in the squad on Tuesday when he will also announce his full matchday 22 for the clash with Australia.
