Stormers skipper Schalk Burger injured ahead of Rugby World Cup 2011 - Rugby News
Stormers’ captain, Schalk Burger, who missed the semi-final of Super Rugby against the Crusaders last weekend due to a thumb injury, could also be sidelined from the upcoming Tri-Nations Cup. The injury may also put his inclusion into the Springboks’ Rugby
World Cup 2011 squad in danger.
The Stormers confirmed his injury on July 4 and said that the star will not be included in the side unless he is fully fir to play. The Tri-Nations Cup is kicking off on July 23 as Australia takes on South Africa in Sydney.
The South African flanker made his Super Rugby debut in 2004 and has been playing for the derby regularly. Burger has extensive experience in International rugby as he made his first appearance for South Africa in 2003 and he has represented his national
side in 74 games.
Burger had to face a similar situation before the RWC 2007 when fell prey to neck injury, which many feared would make him miss the event. He underwent neck surgery and took more than six months to heal from the operation. However, he was successful in recovering
in time for the Springboks campaign. He had a rough time during the last World Cup in the early matches but played a vital role in his teams’ victory in the final against England.
The Stormers vice captain, Jean de Villiers, told the media today, July 4, that his team missed Burger during the semi-final of Super Rugby. De Villiers lamented his unavailability for the big match and said that, "It is a disruption, but injuries are part
of the game and we need to adapt to that. He is a massive player to lose in a game like this, but that is rugby."
The Stormers coach, Allister Coetzee, suspects that his player could take six to eight weeks to recover from the injury. He further said that the Springboks players would undergo a physical test this week which would determine his availability for the Tri-Nations
Cup 2011.
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