Springboks lose Botha to Achilles
Source: Agencies |
October 7, 2011, Friday
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SOUTH Africa lock Bakkies Botha has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after sustaining a fresh Achilles injury in training for his side's quarterfinal against Australia.
The 32-year-old had boasted earlier this week that he was "100 percent" fit to face the Wallabies in Wellington on Sunday after overcoming a chronic Achilles complaint, but was a surprise omission when the team was announced yesterday.
Coach Peter de Villiers, however, told reporters that the veteran lock had injured the opposite ankle when he landed awkwardly during a lineout drill and was ruled out of the match at Wellington Regional Stadium.
Later, team officials confirmed Botha would return to South Africa today to seek treatment advice from a specialist before taking up a contract with French club Toulon on November 1.
"I am a person who normally keeps my emotions out of sight but it was emotional to talk to the team this morning and tell them I would be going home," Botha said.
"I told the team to cherish every moment of their time in the green and gold because you never know when it is going to be your last."
De Villiers said a decision on a replacement would be made should the side advance from Sunday's quarterfinal.
Winger Bryan Habana, a former Super rugby teammate of the Blue Bulls lock, told reporters that Botha's address to the team yesterday had been "emotional".
"It was a bit somber in the team room this morning," Habana said.
Botha, however, said despite it being his last appearance at the World Cup, he would still be available for the Springboks despite playing in France. "This is definitely not the end of my test career as far as I am concerned," the 76-test veteran said.
The 32-year-old had boasted earlier this week that he was "100 percent" fit to face the Wallabies in Wellington on Sunday after overcoming a chronic Achilles complaint, but was a surprise omission when the team was announced yesterday.
Coach Peter de Villiers, however, told reporters that the veteran lock had injured the opposite ankle when he landed awkwardly during a lineout drill and was ruled out of the match at Wellington Regional Stadium.
Later, team officials confirmed Botha would return to South Africa today to seek treatment advice from a specialist before taking up a contract with French club Toulon on November 1.
"I am a person who normally keeps my emotions out of sight but it was emotional to talk to the team this morning and tell them I would be going home," Botha said.
"I told the team to cherish every moment of their time in the green and gold because you never know when it is going to be your last."
De Villiers said a decision on a replacement would be made should the side advance from Sunday's quarterfinal.
Winger Bryan Habana, a former Super rugby teammate of the Blue Bulls lock, told reporters that Botha's address to the team yesterday had been "emotional".
"It was a bit somber in the team room this morning," Habana said.
Botha, however, said despite it being his last appearance at the World Cup, he would still be available for the Springboks despite playing in France. "This is definitely not the end of my test career as far as I am concerned," the 76-test veteran said.
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