A final decision on whether or not Pierre Spies will be included in the Springbok squad to contest the Rugby World Cup will only be made on Monday. Tuesday the 14th August is the deadline for all teams to hand their teamsheets to the IRB.
Spies underwent additional tests at the Vincent Palotti hospital in Cape Town on Friday. These tests will be compared to the initial SA Rugby team assessment as well as those of experts Professor Barry Jacobson and Doctor Willem Prinsloo.
Andy Marinos, SARU National Teams Manager, said in a statement that a final decision would be made on Monday.
“We have to give the final 30 names to the IRB by Tuesday, 14th August. That is the deadline for every World Cup squad. Pierre’s situation will be finalised on Monday.
“Our medical team is gathering all information and consulting with various experts. Once all the factors have been considered a decision will be made. At this stage Pierre is out of the World Cup, as per the medical team’s initial decision.
“I am expecting a detailed report on Monday.
“I want to stress again that any decision, be it that the situation remains unchanged or that Pierre returns to the squad, will be made with the player’s health as the main consideration.
“We will not risk Pierre’s health,†said Marinos.
Springbok coach Jake White is expected to recall the number 8 if he is deemed medically fit.
“He was never dropped from the squad,” said White last week.
“It was more a case of him being deemed medically unfit. When he left Durban we said that we would ‘see what happens’ if he regained his health. And if he has, the decision is that we will revert to the original 30-man squad we named.
“If he is back on board, it will be very hard on Bismarck but I hope everybody understands that there was never any intention of putting him on a rollercoaster ride.
“And Bismarck will remain involved. He will tour with us to Ireland and Scotland regardless of what happens with Pierre,” said White.
Spies said he has left it all in the hands of God.
“If God wants me there, I’ll be there. Praise Him for what He is gonna do,” Spies told the Pretoria News.
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