Yaqeen Ahmed injured and may leave Springboks tour, says Erasmus

Uncapped Stormers flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed may have to cut short his first Springbok tour after hurting his shoulder, IOL reported. Coach Rassie Erasmus said the youngster has only been watching training from the sidelines.

The Springboks open their Nations Championship campaign against Italy in Turin on Saturday, with kick-off listed as 2.45pm at Allianz Stadium. Erasmus has named a near full-strength side, saying he wants the team to start the tournament strongly and prefers consistency over experimentation.

Six uncapped players wait their turn

Ahmed is one of six uncapped players in the touring group who were left out of the match-day squad. The others are Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Sebastian de Klerk, Riley Norton and Manu Tshituka. Erasmus said they were given time to settle in.

He explained that the touring party was increased to 37 players, rather than the 33 he felt would probably have been enough. Vusi Moyo would also have been in the group, but he is injured as well. According to Erasmus, the uncapped players are not frustrated at missing selection. He described their presence as a bonus: they miss no URC matches, provide good opposition in training and bring energy to the squad.

“None of them was guaranteed playing a match,” Erasmus said, adding that they are training for four weeks alongside the senior players.

Scans and a decision to come

Ahmed will have scans, and Erasmus said a decision on whether he returns home will be made in the next day or two. In the meantime, the coach wants him to pick up what he can from experienced players such as Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel and Cobus Reinach.

Erasmus praised the player for being upfront about his discomfort, noting that “sometimes players hide it”. He said it would help Ahmed to stay and watch, but that the management cannot carry a player who cannot train if more injuries occur. “It looks like he will be going back home,” the coach said.

What it means for supporters

Ahmed’s Springbok debut will have to wait, and the final call on his tour is still to be made. The Springboks play Italy on Saturday, then face France in Paris on 13 November and Ireland in Dublin on 21 November as they try to reach the Finals Weekend of the Nations Championship. Fans should check broadcast listings for local kick-off times.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.