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Injured Springbok stars may face Argentina

By AFP
Africa Aplon left sustained back and shoulder injuries.  By Greg Wood AFPFile
JUL 28, 2015 LISTEN
Aplon (left) sustained back and shoulder injuries. By Greg Wood (AFP/File)

Johannesburg (AFP) - Injured South Africa rugby stars Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez and Willem Alberts could be available to face Argentina on August 8, the national team doctor said Tuesday.

Du Preez and Alberts have not played for the Springboks this season while skipper De Villiers came off the bench against a World XV this month before continuing his recuperation at a lower playing level.

"These players have worked hard during their rehabilitation and although we still have to put them through a final assessment next Monday, I'm hopeful," said Craig Roberts.

South Africa host the Pumas on August 8 in the final round of a Rugby Championship trimmed from six rounds to three because the Rugby World Cup kicks off mid-September in England.

They travel to Buenos Aires to tackle the South Americans again one week later in a Test that ends the Springbok match preparations for the global rugby showcase.

While coach Heyneke Meyer will be cheered by the medical updates on three key cogs in his squad, there were also some disappointing reports.

Tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis and flanker Francois Louw, who were hurt in a 27-20 home loss to New Zealand last weekend, will miss the Championship Test in Indian Ocean city Durban.

Veteran lock Victor Matfield and winger JP Pietersen -- unavailable for the All Blacks clash in Johannesburg -- have been ruled out of both matches against the Pumas.

The biggest concern for Meyer, though, is No. 8 Duane Vermeulen, who underwent neck surgery this month and is racing against the clock to be fit for the World Cup.

Twice champions South Africa are in Pool B at the World Cup with Japan, Samoa, Scotland and the United States.

British bookmakers have installed the Springboks and England as second favourites behind title-holders New Zealand to lift the trophy.

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