0
Boks dealt 'devastating' blow
From Fox correspondents in Johannesburg
July 31, 2007
SOUTH Africa flanker Pierre Spies has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup in France, starting on September 7, with clots on his lungs.
Spies, 22, was named as South Africa's most promising player last year and had been in tremendous form for the Bulls and the Springboks this year.
A Spies statement, relased by South Africa's team management overnight, said he was expected to be out for six to eight months.
"It would have been great to be in France, but I must accept that it is good that they diagnosed the problem much earlier," Spies said in the statement.
"Matters could have been worse had I continued playing."
South Africa coach Jake White said Spies's absence was a devastating blow to his squad.
"It's a huge loss for the team," White said.
"He is such a great player who would have played a huge role in our campaign in France.
"It would have been fascinating to see him in action with the likes of Schalk Burger at the World Cup."
Reuters