Dynamic Lions No 8 Warren Whiteley, who is set to replace injured Duane Vermeulen in the Springbok pack, has been described as a phenomenal leader.
Whiteley's praises were sung by Springbok assistant coach Matt Proudfoot after a gruelling training session at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium today ahead of Saturday's third test against Ireland.
Proudfoot is priming his troops for what promises to be a titanic battle against an Ireland side who are bidding to make history by winning a series on South African soil for the first time.
"Warren is really intelligent and sharp and is a good lineout exponent and he is quick off the base," Proudfoot said.
"What has amazed me is Warren's leadership. How he leads the guys is phenomenal and he is a player with an unbelievably high work ethic. Those are his qualities.
"We had a chat on Monday evening and what I told Warren was what I respect about you is the way you lead the your guys. He makes the job easier for everyone and aligns a lot of the fringe players and that is crucial in a squad."
Proudfoot said it was tough losing a general like Vermeulen who is out with an elbow injury.
"Duane is special player and is world class. He is one of those who glues the whole pack together. That gives Warren Whiteley that opportunity.
"Warren has been doing it for his franchise and he has been leading by example. So what you lose in one you gain in another."
Proudfoot said Whiteley would be fine for Saturday after he took no contact in training because of a shoulder injury.
"Warren was across with the forwards at training today and he was involved with the more technical stuff."
Vermeulen went for a scan on Monday which revealed a grade two injury in the elbow. He will be out for between two to six weeks, depending on how the injury responds to treatment.
Prop Trevor Nyakane was today withdrawn from the squad for Saturday because of injury.
The prop suffered an ankle injury in the second Test between the sides last Saturday in Johannesburg. Nyakane was sent for X-rays on Monday, which showed no fracture except for some swelling.
However, further assessment on Tuesday morning revealed that Nyakane will not be ready to be considered for Saturday’s final Test.
A substitution to serve as extra cover for both the loosehead and tighthead positions, will be named in due course.
Nyakane joins Vermeulen and Lood de Jager (calf) on the injured list. All three players have left the Springbok camp.
The Bok management has confirmed that three players, Scarra Ntubeni (Stormers), Nic Groom (Stormers) and Garth April (Sharks), will return to their franchises on Tuesday afternoon.
Proudfoot sings Whiteley's praises
Whiteley's praises were sung by Springbok assistant coach Matt Proudfoot after a gruelling training session at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium today ahead of Saturday's third test against Ireland.
Proudfoot is priming his troops for what promises to be a titanic battle against an Ireland side who are bidding to make history by winning a series on South African soil for the first time.
"Warren is really intelligent and sharp and is a good lineout exponent and he is quick off the base," Proudfoot said.
"What has amazed me is Warren's leadership. How he leads the guys is phenomenal and he is a player with an unbelievably high work ethic. Those are his qualities.
"We had a chat on Monday evening and what I told Warren was what I respect about you is the way you lead the your guys. He makes the job easier for everyone and aligns a lot of the fringe players and that is crucial in a squad."
Proudfoot said it was tough losing a general like Vermeulen who is out with an elbow injury.
"Duane is special player and is world class. He is one of those who glues the whole pack together. That gives Warren Whiteley that opportunity.
"Warren has been doing it for his franchise and he has been leading by example. So what you lose in one you gain in another."
Proudfoot said Whiteley would be fine for Saturday after he took no contact in training because of a shoulder injury.
"Warren was across with the forwards at training today and he was involved with the more technical stuff."
Vermeulen went for a scan on Monday which revealed a grade two injury in the elbow. He will be out for between two to six weeks, depending on how the injury responds to treatment.
Prop Trevor Nyakane was today withdrawn from the squad for Saturday because of injury.
The prop suffered an ankle injury in the second Test between the sides last Saturday in Johannesburg. Nyakane was sent for X-rays on Monday, which showed no fracture except for some swelling.
However, further assessment on Tuesday morning revealed that Nyakane will not be ready to be considered for Saturday’s final Test.
A substitution to serve as extra cover for both the loosehead and tighthead positions, will be named in due course.
Nyakane joins Vermeulen and Lood de Jager (calf) on the injured list. All three players have left the Springbok camp.
The Bok management has confirmed that three players, Scarra Ntubeni (Stormers), Nic Groom (Stormers) and Garth April (Sharks), will return to their franchises on Tuesday afternoon.
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