CAPE TOWN – The next best in line is the Sharks’ Ryan Kankowski, who has signed a contract with a Japanese club but who won’t be able to join the side on such  short notice, while the next prospect, Western Province’s Duane Vermeulen, is only due to make his return in the Currie Cup this weekend.

This leaves Meyer with the option of two No 7s at eighth man in Willem Alberts and Jacques Potgieter, while two more flanks – the Sharks’ Keegan Daniel, who is recovering from a spider bite, and the new addition from the Cape – the brilliant Siya Kolisi – are other options, but they are both flank forwards.

Spies, who played in his 50th Test against England in Port Elizabeth in June, injured himself in the Super Rugby qualifier against the Crusaders last month and was ruled out  because of an injury to his left ring finger.

According to team doctor Craig Roberts, initial X-rays did not reveal any significant abnormality.

“However, on review and further investigation, including a CT scan and assessment by a hand specialist in Cape Town, it was found that Pierre had sustained a fracture in the joint,” said Roberts.

“Surgical correction is needed in order to prevent permanent damage. The usual rehabilitation time for these kinds of injuries is eight to 12 weeks,” Roberts said.
 
At this stage Spies will not be replaced in the Springbok squad that is currently preparing for the opening Test match.

“We have faith in the players in the squad and will consider the call-up of a possible replacement at a later stage,” said coach Heyneke Meyer.

“Losing Pierre is obviously a setback, because he is the most experienced member of our forward pack – but we will never take any risks with injured players.
“Injuries are part of the game and this now provides us with an opportunity for someone else to stake a claim.”

r Spies joins four other Springbok loose forwards who are currently not available for selection.  Schalk Burger, Juan Smith and Heinrich Brüssow are injured, while Kankowski is not available because of club commitments in Japan.