Durban - The Springbok squad for the upcoming Tri-Nations at the moment is looking dismal, with 21 players put on the injury list.
The Springbok medical team announced on Wednesday that a number of players had been put on intense rehabilitation programmes following medical assessments in Cape Town.
Team doctor Craig Roberts said that a number of players faced a race against time to be fit to take part in the Tri-Nations, but that no one had been ruled out of contention for selection for the Rugby World Cup.
"Schalk Burger and Duane Vermeulen recently sustained serious injuries and will definitely not be ready to take part, but we're hopeful that others who have had long-term injuries, such as Juan Smith, Heinrich Br~ssow and Gurthr" Steenkamp, may be available at some point in the Series," said Roberts.
"There are a number of other players who have been playing through Super Rugby with chronic injuries and need rehabilitation now to avoid the risk of the breaking down with longer term injuries in the near future."
Andy Marinos, manager of national teams for the SA Rugby Union, said that the medical team had taken a pragmatic approach to the international season, which begins on 23 July for the Springboks.
The world champions will take on Australia in Sydney.
"Some players have had a huge amount of rugby and it shows in the wear and tear on their bodies," said Marinos.
"We're treating them on an individual basis to make sure they are fully fit to peak at the right times this year."
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, meanwhile, is hoping that late fitness tests will clear some of his injured charges. Some players are expected to undergo a second test later this week.
Injured players unavailable for selection for the away leg of the Tri-Nations are: Duane Vermeulen (knee), Fourie du Preez (knee), Schalk Burger (thumb), Victor Matfield (calf and neck), Frans Steyn (ankle and back), Jaque Fourie (groin), Jean de Villiers (groin), BJ Botha (knee), Juan Smith (Achilles), Willem Alberts (shoulder), Bismarck du Plessis (shoulder), Andries Bekker (shoulder, groin and ankle), Jannie du Plessis (knee), Francois Louw (clavicle), Gurthr" Steenkamp (forearm), Francois Hougaard (ankle), Butch James (knee), JP Pietersen (back), Tendai Mtawarira (hamstring), Bryan Habana (shoulder), Bakkies Botha (knee).
