Big injuries setback for Junior Boks

THE Junior Springboks suffered a huge injury setback yesterday when three players were ruled out of the vital IRB Junior World Championship Pool C clash on Friday against New Zealand.

Midfielder Rohan Janse van Rensburg, who came on as a second-half replacement against Scotland in the JWC opener at the QBE Stadium, Auckland on Monday, will return home after he sustained an ankle injury in the match. He will be replaced by Duhan van der Merwe, an SA Sevens player. Powerful inside centre Andre Esterhuizen was ruled out of action after receiving a blow to the head in the second half against the Scots.

The third casualty is flanker Jacques Vermeulen. The Western Cape loose forward also has an ankle injury and has been ruled out of Friday's encounter.

"We all know how vital the match against New Zealand is and to have three players ruled out of action is a massive blow for us," coach Dawie Theron said. He was full of praise for the contribution of all three players in the comprehensive 61-5 win over Scotland.

"Andre made 10 tackles and was powerful and aggressive in midfield. He was very good in taking the ball over the advantage line.

"Jacques was very involved upfront, made 16 tackles and was also good in general play. And Rohan showed his experience when he came on in the second half."

There are two training sessions today.