Injury update – Gio Aplon, Duane Vermeulen
Gio Aplon has hamstring strain and should be available again for the team’s first SA match against the Cheetahs on 12 May.
Duane Vermeulen sustained a knee ligament injury late in the game against the Reds and will see a knee specialist in Cape Town for further assessment.
DHL WP flank Don Armand and centre Berton Klaasen fly to Perth today to join up with the touring group.
Eben Etzebeth (shoulder) is being managed and a call on his availability will only be made at our last training session. Andries Bekker is however expected to make a return to the team this week against the Force.
“Injuries are part of the game” said the coach. “As a squad you have to be able to handle them. It’s something we have spoken about often. This week it’s the Force and regardless who we select, we will need to again be at our best to take the points. It is a big game for us as a win will mean a very successful tour. There is a lot of motivation in this group to achieve that and we will be going all out.”