JOHANNESBURG – The Springbok Sevens have a bit of an injury crisis ahead of the next tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series, the New Zealand Sevens, which is scheduled for January 26 and 27 in Hamilton.
For the Blitzboks, Muller du Plessis and Justin Geduld are in a race against time to be fit to tour to Hamilton next month, while the return of captain Philip Snyman has also not been confirmed.
Du Plessis and Geduld picked up injuries at the Cape Town Sevens last weekend.
A scan revealed a back injury to Du Plessis, ruling him out for six to eight weeks, while Geduld underwent an operation on Tuesday to remove cartilage in his knee. He will also not play for at least six weeks.
Justin Geduld underwent surgery and will not play for at least six weeks. Photo: Phando Jikelo/African News Agency/ANA
As for Snyman, Springbok Sevens team doctor Leigh Gordon said: “Philip has been reviewed by a specialist and the scans showed that his injury involves the sternocostal joint (between the breastbone and the first rib).
“It is an unusual injury. We will have to see how his rehabilitation goes in January before we can make a call.
“Obviously, we hope that he will be available for selection for the tournaments in Hamilton and then Sydney, a week later.”
Werner Kok, who underwent surgery for facial fractures on Monday, will be fit to return to training early next year, Gordon said.
"Werner’s surgery went well and he will join the squad in January. He may miss the first few days of contact, but is expected to be available for selection,” said Gordon.
Werner Kok's surgery went well and he will join the squad in January. He may miss the first few days of contact but is expected to be available for selection. @wernerkok1 pic.twitter.com/2Xq8qnf6Yh
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) December 11, 2018
A number of players who missed the first two tournaments of the season due to injury will be available for the Australasian leg, including their top points scorer of all time, Cecil Afrika, as well as Stedman Gans and Heino Bezuidenhout.