South Africa skipper Warren Whiteley will not play Super Rugby this weekend, which effectively rules him out of June Tests against Wales and England.
The Golden Lions No. 8 was hoping to end a long spell out with a knee injury by playing against Western Stormers in Cape Town, and getting a chance to impress Springboks coach ‘Rassie’ Erasmus.
But the injury-plagued 30-year-old was not included in the Lions’ matchday 23 with an official telling reporters “Warren is not yet ready to return”.
Whiteley had skippered the Springboks only twice whan a groin injury sustained in a home Test against France last June sidelined him for the rest of the year.
His latest injury setback occurred this March against Auckland Blues in Super Rugby with disastrous consequences for the Lions, who lost the match and five others since.
Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth, who took over from Whiteley as national team skipper, has not played since being injured against Wales in Cardiff last November.
There has been much speculation as to who might lead the Springboks against Wales in Washington on June 2 and in a three-Test home series against England from June 9.
Northern Bulls fly-half Handre Pollard and Stormers flanker Siya Kolisi have been mentioned as possible captains ahead of the squad announcement in Cape Town Saturday. – Agence France-Presse
