Tendon injury rules Bakkies Botha’s out of Springboks remaining 2011 Rugby World Cup matches
South African national Rugby Union team’s title defence campaign sustained a major blow as their impressive and talented second row forward, Bakkies Botha, has been ruled out from their remaining matches of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) due to a tendon
injury.
Botha confirmed the end of his tournament on Thursday, October 6. The 2007 World Cup winning lock, Botha, sustained an injury to his Achilles tendon on Wednesday, during Springboks training for their upcoming quarter-final clash with the Wallabies. Botha
landed heavily during the lineouts, which has aggravated his Achilles injury.
The defending champions Springboks will take on the 2011 Tri Nations champions, Wallabies, in the RWC quarter-final to book the semi-final outing against the winner of the Argentina and All Blacks encounter. The match will be played at Westpac Stadium, Wellington
on Sunday, October 9.
Botha has struggled with the Achilles tendon injury for some time. However, this injury is a new one. Commenting on this injury, he said, “I knew straight away that something wasn't right.”
The 32-year-old Botha has expressed his disappointment for not being part of the team to see the tournament through. He added, “I'm very disappointed - after all the hard work that has been put in over the past few months - but it's not about me, it's about
the team now and there's still a big job to do. I'll be sitting at home with my family on Sunday with a tear on my cheek as the team takes on the Wallabies.”
Botha had an emotional team meeting with the rest of the squad on Thursday morning. He has updated them about the injury and his plans to fly back home. He has urged the players to go all out in the match, as one never knows which will be his last match.
Botha has expressed his confidence that the Springboks have enough resources in the second row, which can easily see them through their remaining matches of the tournament. He has shown his faith in the trio of Victor Matfield, Danie Rossouw and Johann Muller
for the job.
Botha has ruled out any departures from the Springboks teams and he will be joining the Top 14 outfit Toulon, on November 1. Earlier this year, he has signed a three-year deal with the French club.
Natal born Botha made his international debut for Springboks against France in 2002. He so far has made 76 appearances for Boks and has scored 35 points.
Springboks match preparations for their quarter-final clash received a major boost after their winger, JP Pietersen, has recovered from his knee injury to take part in Sunday’s match. Springboks are expected to name Botha’s replacement at the end of the
Sunday’s clash if required.
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