We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

English Woman's Journal - Injured Springbok Willemse to miss November Tests

Injured Springbok Willemse to miss November Tests

SPORTS 27.10.2024
Injured Springbok Willemse to miss November Tests
Injured Springbok Willemse to miss November Tests / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP

World champions South Africa were hit by another withdrawal on Sunday before a November tour of Britain when utility back Damian Willemse pulled out due to a groin injury, SA Rugby said.

Change text size:

Prop-hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels was ruled out last week by an ankle injury ahead of Tests against Scotland on November 10, England six days later and Wales on November 23.

Uncapped loose forward Cameron Hanekom replaces Willemse, the Springboks full-back when they edged New Zealand 12-11 last year in France to win back-to-back World Cup titles.

Willemse missed the 10 Springbok Tests so far this season as he recovered from a finger injury and his latest setback came while playing for Stormers against Glasgow on Saturday.

"Cameron is familiar with some of our structures and the Springbok ethos, and we have no doubt he will grab this opportunity with both hands," head coach Rassie Erasmus said in a statement.

Because Wessels was chosen to cover both the loosehead prop and hooker positions, two previously capped replacements were named: hooker Johan Grobbelaar and prop Wilco Louw.

South Africa have beaten Australia, New Zealand (twice each), Wales, Ireland, Portugal and Argentina this year.

The Springboks suffered one-point losses at home to Ireland and away to Argentina in two other internationals.

South Africa will have a training camp in Jersey this week, then arrive in Edinburgh on November 3.

Revised 35-man squad

Props: Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit

Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi

Locks: Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman

Loose forwards: Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi (capt), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese

Scrum-halves: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams

Fly-halves: Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard

Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel

Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie

Ch.Reilly--EWJ

Featured

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: