Willemse, Pollard, And Williams Boost South Africa’s All Blacks Test In Baltimore
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has provided a positive update on Damian Willemse, confirming that the versatile back suffered a Grade 1 hamstring injury but is expected to travel with the squad to Baltimore on Sunday.
Willemse’s availability was a concern following the Springboks’ 33-26 victory over the All Blacks in the latest Test match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. However, Erasmus indicated that the injury is not serious enough to rule him out of the series.
“He has a hamstring injury. He pulled a hamstring. It’s a Grade 1, but he should be on the plane on Sunday to Baltimore,” Erasmus said.
The update will come as a relief to the Springboks, particularly as the squad enters the latter stages of the campaign and selection decisions begin to take shape.
Erasmus also confirmed that Handre Pollard will travel to Baltimore, while Grant Williams and Canan Moodie are expected to be available for selection next week.
“Handre is going to be on the plane to Baltimore. Handre, Grant and Canan will be ready for selection next week,” Erasmus said.
A Grade 1 hamstring injury is the least severe classification of a hamstring strain, and Willemse’s expected travel with the squad suggests that initial fears surrounding the injury may have been unfounded.
With the series finely poised and the stakes continuing to rise, the Springboks will welcome the news that Willemse’s injury appears to be relatively minor, while Pollard, Williams and Moodie move closer to a return to selection.
