SOUTH AFRICA

News | Profile | Anthem | Fixtures | Results

Burger should be fit for Pumas

Monday 21st July 2008

Down, but not out: Schalk Burger

Springboks fans will be able to breath a huge sigh of relief with the news that star openside flank Schalk Burger will be fit to face Argentina in Johannesburg on August 9.

Burger, a vital cog in the Springboks machinery, was forced from the field in Perth during South Africa's Tri-Nations loss to Australia on Saturday with an apparent neck injury.

Soon after the Springbok team's arrival from Australia at OR Tambo Airport on Sunday, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers revealed that Burger's injury was not as serious as the career threatening injury he suffered a few years ago.

"The doctor has taken another look at him and he will be examined again in Cape Town, but it's not serious," De Villiers told reporters.

"I think he should be fit to play against Argentina."

"I think he also got a big fright after taking a knock against the neck when someone cleaned out at a ruck, " said the coach who had taken Burger off as a precautionary measure.

"I took him off because the person is more important than the player."

Springbok left wing Bryan Habana, who was also forced from the field with a shoulder injury, said he would know only on Monday how serious the injury was.

"I'll report to the Bulls on Monday and will know then if I have to go for a scan. At this stage I don't know how serious it is," Habana said.

De Villiers said there were no serious injuries in the squad after the physical battle against the Wallabies.

The Springbok management released nine players to their provincial unions for Currie Cup duty and De Villiers indicated that he may recall scrum-half Fourie du Preez and centre Jaque Fourie, who have recovered from their injuries, back into the squad.

"We'll assemble in Pretoria again on July 30. The team will stay there for four days before we go to Johannesburg for the match against Argentina," said Springboks manager Andy Marinos who added that they had earned a break.