Springboks suffer setback as key forward set to miss Tests against England
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 17: Warren Whiteley (captain) with Tendai Mtawarira of South Africa during the 2nd Castle Lager Incoming Series Test match between South Africa and France at Growthpoint Kings Park on June 17, 2017 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
(Photo: Getty Images)
By Adam Ellis
South Africa captain Warren Whiteley’s race to be fit for the Tests against England looks to have been in vain, as he was not named in the Lions team for their Super Rugby clash against the Stormers this weekend.
The number 8 has been fighting to regain his fitness since injuring the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee in March, with a team spokesperson admitting the player’s return to the pitch is looking a little more distant than previously estimated.
“He’s still out for two to three weeks,” a the spokesperson told Sport24.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus revealed yesterday that his squad for the June Tests would involve a ‘few surprises, as he makes final preparations before naming the team on Saturday. But now that may involve naming a new captain.
With Whiteley unlikely to feature, Stormers flanker Siya Kolisi has led the country’s team in his fellow back row’s stead to become the first black player to captain the Bokke. While Eben Etzebeth has also taken deputy duties when Whiteley has been unavailable.
