Neck injury expected to rule Springbok prop Frans Malherbe out of the entire Rugby Championship

15 August 2017 - 10:25

By George Byron

A neck injury is expected to rule Springbok prop Frans Malherbe out of the entire Rugby Championship campaign.

The front rower underwent scans on Monday in Port Elizabeth to determine the severity of the injury after complaining about stiffness in his neck.

“Frans consulted a neurosurgeon in PE who suggested extended rest for the player‚ with follow up scans to be done in two weeks’ time‚” team doctor Konrad von Hagen said.

Malherbe is replaced by Ruan Dreyer‚ the Lions prop who made his Springbok debut in the third Test match against France in June.

The squad was strengthened on Monday by the arrival of the experienced scrumhalf Francois Hougaard‚ who is based in England where he plays for Worcester Warriors.

His arrival means the Bok squad now have their full complement of players.

“Ross Cronje did not train last week because of a rib injury that he sustained playing in the Super Rugby final playing for the Lions‚” Von Hagen said.

“I am pleased to say Ross will resume training today (Monday).

“We will see if he can take contact later in the week and then decide about his availability.

“I am happy to say that Jaco Kriel‚ who was sick with flu last week‚ returns to training today (on Monday).

“Malcolm Marx‚ who sustained a contusion of his rotator cuff in the Super Rugby final‚ is also back in training.”

Von Hagen said fiery flank Siya Kolisi is also back to full training after sustaining an ankle injury during the Super Rugby semifinals.

“Flyhalf Handre Pollard is progressing well and was part of the full training sessions on Thursday and Friday.

“We will continue to let him train with the full squad and we will let him continue working on his fitness so he can complete his rehabilitation.