Damien Willemse is to replace Jesse Kriel in South Africa’s Rugby World Cup squad after the centre suffered a hamstring injury, the team said on Tuesday. Stormers utility Willemse, 21, who is on loan at England’s Saracens, will fly out to Japan after Kriel picked up his injury in their opening game, a 23-13 defeat by New Zealand.
Although Kriel’s condition is improving, he would not have recovered in time for South Africa’s remaining Pool B matches against Italy on Friday and Canada on Tuesday, a statement said.
I feel for Jesse. He has been in the match-day 23 for almost every match since I took over and is a model professional. He was a key member of the squad,” coach Rassie Erasmus said.
Willemse, who will join up with the squad on Thursday, earned all five of his caps in 2018. He is South Africa’s second injury replacement after Thomas du Toit was called up for Trevor Nyakane.
Damian would have been more involved with us this year but for injury, but he is familiar with our systems and should have no problem slotting in,” Erasmus said. He has the ability to play in a number of positions in the back division, while other players can cover Jesse’s number 13 jersey.
In other news – Meghan Markle visits gender-based violence education club
Meghan Markle is in Johannesburg for the royal family’s second leg of their South African tour. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex landed in Cape Town on 23 September.
They kicked off their tour with a visit to The Justice Desk in Nyanga, where they spoke to young children who have been taught self-defence. Read more
Source: eNCA
