Burger adds to Boks’ woes

SOUTH AFRICA coach Jake White believes his side will struggle to cover the loss of flanker Schalk Burger in Saturday’s one-off Test against France at Newlands.

Burger, 23, is one of a host of Springboks to have picked up an injury in the series victory over Scotland and will undergo neck surgery on Saturday in an attempt to save his career.

“We’d be living in a dream world if we thought we’d be the same side without him,” White said.

“He is worth three or four players on the field. How do you replace a special player like that?

“However, we have a number of talented loose forwards in the side who I’m confident will do the job against France on Saturday.”

South Africa captain John Smit added his voice to the chorus lamenting the loss of Burger.

“He plays like a wild animal and throws himself at the opposition,” Smit said.

“He’s got plenty of rugby left in him and, in my eyes, he will always be indestructible.

“Maybe six months off from the game will prove to be a blessing in disguise.”

The injury to Burger, combined with the loss of centres Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie (both rib), winger Breyton Paulse (hamstring), utility back Andre Snyman (wrist) and lock Bakkies Botha (Achilles), means that White has been forced into various changes to his line-up to face the French.

Danie Rossouw is moved back to lock in place of Botha with Pedrie Wannenburg coming in at number eight and Joe van Niekerk filling Burger’s spot at openside flanker.

Meanwhile, France coach Bernard Laporte has preferred Damien Traille to Thomas Castaignede at fly-half.

Castaignede has been dropped to the bench after playing in the pivotal position against Romania last weekend, while Laporte also confirmed Imanol Harinordoquy as number eight for the game.