Du Plessis has to wait longer for debut

Springbok Sevens veteran Branco du Preez (right) will join the team in New Zealand after injury struck yet again, ruling out potential debutant Muller du Plessis from the tournament in Hamilton.

Du Preez was called up to replace Du Plessis, who injured his hamstring during the team’s training session yesterday.

The Blitzbok veteran, who has played in 57 tournaments for his country and scored 1 100 points, flew out yesterday and will be included for this weekend’s NZ Sevens. Du Preez was originally ruled out due to a hamstring injury, but has now fully recovered.

Du Plessis only joined the squad on Tuesday evening as a replacement for Ruhan Nel, but a hamstring strain picked up dur- ing the defence session ruled him out as well. The squad also lost captain Philip Snyman in Sydney with a hamstring injury, with Kyle Brown taking over the captaincy this week.

Meanwhile, Kwagga Smith had some discomfort after rolling his ankle in training earlier in the week and a final call on his participation will be made today.

“The senior players will have to make another step-up, given the misfortunes we had this week. We are happy with our position (leading the series). It is some indication that we are doing some things right,” said coach Neil Powell.

The Blitzboks face Papua New Guinea (1.06am), Russia (4.32am) and England (8.06am) tomorrow morning. – Own Correspondent