Wynand Olivier out of South Africa's European tour
South Africa and Blue Bulls centre Wynand Olivier will not take part in the Springboks' tour of Europe due to a groin injury.
The 27-year-old has been told by South Africa officials that he must undergo complex surgery this week, which will keep him out of the game until after the New Year.
"It's an injury that I have been struggling with for at least four or five weeks now and it almost kept me out of the Currie Cup semi-final last weekend [for the Bulls]. While it is disappointing to not
be considered for the tour at the end of the year, I believe it is the right decision to undergo the operation now," said Olivier.
This is a big blow to South Africa but the side has enough cover to cope with Olivier's absence. It's important that officials for the national team do everything possible to make sure the player isn't
mentally affected by this setback.
Cover to cope
Losing an important player because of injury is a huge blow at any time. South Africa is fortunate that there is ample cover in the middle of the team to cope with Olivier's absence.
Adrian Jacobs seems the number one choice to start in the centre of the team at the moment. Juan de Jongh is also capable of playing in any position across the middle of the side.
Olivier may now doubt his place in the South Africa team and coach Peter de Villiers will have to step in and reassure his player. This is important because it will keep Olivier focused on his long road
to recovery.
"We have the Super Rugby competition and the World Cup next year that I'm looking forward to," Olivier added.
Betting advice
South Africa will still travel to Europe as favourites to beat most of the teams the side is due to play. Olivier's absence is a blow but it's not the end of the world. Watch the news carefully, if there
is an injury to Jacobs or de Jongh then South Africa's squad will be stretched to the bare bones.
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