THE SPRINGBOKS have no serious injuries before they unveil their hand for Saturday’s second Test in Pretoria at lunchtime today. Schalk Burger, ruled out for the first Test, took part in most of their training session yesterday and pending further assessments this week, coach Peter de Villiers would not say whether Burger could play on Saturday.
De Villiers also stood by his replacements last Saturday after criticism that it contributed to the Lions’ comeback. “You must remember that those were seven Springboks that went on to the field, not schoolboys. I expected them to make an impact but it did not have the desired result.
“On another day it might well have had an impact and that is the beauty of sport,” he added. “Perhaps I should have introduced them a bit further apart but I remain satisfied that all 22 got on to the park against the Lions,” De Villiers said.
Meanwhile, France turned their attention to Saturday’s international against Australia in an effort to put an attack on centre Mathieu Bastareaud behind them.
The 20-year-old Bastareaud told French management he had been attacked by up to five people as he returned to the team hotel early on Sunday following France’s 14-10 loss to the All Blacks in Wellington. “There is bruising about the eye, but to be in a fight like that was a big fright for him,” said France assistant coach Emile Ntamack.
Local media reported police had opened an investigation and were seeking CCTV footage and asking for witnesses to come forward. New Zealand rugby officials issued an apology to Bastareaud and the French team, while Prime Minister John Key said he hoped the attack would not put people off travelling to the country.
