Louw an option for Boks as openside expert
WITH Springbok openside flank options increasingly limited after Jaco Kriel’s recent shoulder injury‚ which will rule him out of the home leg of the Rugby Championship‚ veteran back rower Francois Louw is in line for a recall.
Louw‚ 32‚ has played 52 tests for the Boks and has only recently returned to the field after a lengthy layoff due to shoulder surgery in May.
But he confirmed to the media in Bath, where he plays his club rugby, that he was on standby for the national team.
“Whether or not they decide to use me‚ obviously there’s been a couple of injuries‚ but I think they’ve got enough good men there to do a good job,” Louw said.
“I’m obviously torn‚ as I’ve always been‚ whether I’m playing there or playing here.
“It’s a huge honour to play for your country.
“Any player who has represented their country can tell you that‚ but this is my club and a team I’m obviously very passionate about.”
Bok coach Allister Coetzee named Louw as a potential replacement when the squad arrived in Johannesburg on Sunday.
Siya Kolisi was the designated openside flank during last week’s 57-0 loss to the All Blacks in Albany‚ but he did not enjoy the best outing.
After a season of excellent form‚ Kolisi‚ who has stated in the past that openside is not his preferred position‚ was wasted against the All Blacks.
His effectiveness in the ball-carrying and linking blindside role was missed, although the Boks were so overwhelmed in every facet of the game that Kolisi was far from the worst player on the field.
Without injured tighthead Coenie Oosthuizen‚ who is a fine ball stealer‚ the Boks were well beaten at the breakdown.
Louw will offer some resistance in that area of the game.
He has always performed well for the Boks although he‚ along with the rest of the team, struggled last season.
Louw’s last test was in Durban against the All Blacks last year, which ended in a 57-15 win for the visitors.
The Boks face Australia in Bloemfontein next week‚ which is followed by the All Blacks game in Cape Town.
Louw has played nine tests against the Wallabies and been on the winning side four times.