MORE WOES FOR BOKS AS WIESE IS RULED OUT FOR TESTS AFTER BAN

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ options for a replacement for Duane Vermeulen ahead of the Test season were narrowed somewhat by the news that Jasper Wiese copped a sixgame ban for his red card during his final game for Leicester Tigers last weekend.

Wiese’s ban, which had no mitigating circumstances, means that he will miss the first six Tests of the international season, and adds his name to a growing list of players that are either in doubt or unavailable for the upcoming international season.

Wiese will miss the opening Test against Wales at Twickenham, both Tests against Ireland and the oneoff against Portugal, as well as two Tests against Australia in the Rugby Championship in August.

The decision is a massive blow as Wiese was the natural successor to Vermeulen, the latter who announced his retirement after the World Cup and joined the Springbok management team.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Damian Willemse had torn hand ligaments and would be out for four months, while it is a virtual certainty that Steven Kitshoff will also miss the start of the international season with a knee injury.

In addition to this, Deon Fourie and Malcolm Marx, both who were used at hooker in the Rugby World Cup, are also out with injury, with no certainty as to when they will be ready to play again.

Also out with injury is loose-forward Kwagga Smith while the Sharks reported injuries to Jaden Hendrikse and Lukhanyo Am this past week.

What makes it more challenging for Erasmus is the fact that the Wales Test is outside the international Test window and also coincides with the final day of the season, where the URC and other finals will be played.

That means any team making the final will not release their players and the European, and Japanese clubs are not under obligation to do so either.

Meanwhile, Bok flyhalf-cum-fullback Manie Libbok has signed a three-year contract extension with the Stormers.