The Beast doubtful for Wales clash
SPRINGBOK loosehead prop Tendai Mtawarira looks likely to miss this weekend’s clash against Wales at the Principality Stadium.
Mtawarira was helped off the field in the first half in the Springboks’ convincing victory over Italy.
Speaking about the injury scare on his most experienced player, Springboks coach Allister Coetzee said the Beast was doubtful.
“I’m not too positive about it. Hopefully we get better news. It’s his quad‚ close to the groin area.”
Mtawarira won’t be the only starter from the match against Italy to miss out this week.
The clash falls outside the international window which means No 8 Duane Vermeulen‚ flank Francois Louw‚ lock Franco Mostert and flyhalf Elton Jantjies return to their northern hemisphere based clubs.
At this stage it looks unlikely that a replacement will be summoned for Mtawarira.
To lose three forwards with a total of 194 caps will take its toll on any team but the Boks will get Siya Kolisi back from paternity leave.
The team‚ however‚ have a bit to work with following this performance.
They fronted up to the physical challenge and they remained calm and composed when they needed to.
They also have key players showing the form that made them Springboks in the first place. No one exemplified that more than flyhalf Handre Pollard.
“Handre was really good‚” etzee said about the man of match. “He’s a physical flyhalf. “These conditions suit his game because he can take it to the line.
“It makes a difference because if you have a passing 10 it allows the opposition’s line speed to catch you Cothe behind the advantage line.
“You can also clearly see he made a massive step up in terms of his goalkicking.
“He’s a typical flyhalf putting the pieces together slowly but surely.
“I’m pleased with the confidence he is busy building at the moment.”
Pollard was more modest about his achievement in atrocious conditions. “It was a great team effort. “On the defence we were
“The forwards provided a great platform.
“Based on that‚ we could make outstanding. good decisions.
“Defensively we fought for each other.
“That’s the mean thing‚ if we keep fighting like this for each other we can go places. That was a great effort.
“Earlier on the tour we spoke about learning quickly and adapting. We learnt that against Ireland in similar conditions‚ although not entirely the same. “We were a lot calmer. “Everyone just made better
“We worked flippin’ hard for each other. That’s the secret in weather like that .” decisions.