Steyn could miss Lions series
Francois Steyn faces lengthy spell on the sidelines
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Tuesday, 05, May 2009 09:04
South Africa youngster Francois Steyn could miss the test series against the British and Irish Lions after suffering a knee injury.
The 21-year-old was the favourite to replace Conrad Jantjes , who will miss the series after breaking his leg, at full back. But Steyn damaged knee ligaments while playing for the Sharks on Monday and is expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
"We are awaiting the results of the scan, but Francois is likely to be out for six to eight weeks," said Sharks coach John Plumtree. "He has the same injury that Ruan Pienaar has just recovered from."
Pienaar, the current Springboks fly-half, returned after six weeks from his injury, which makes Steyn a doubt for the first test against the Lions on June 20.
The setback to Steyn is the latest in a long line of injuries which have derailed South Africa's preparations for the series against the Lions.
The Boks will be without fly-half Butch James for the entire series after he damaged his cruciate knee ligaments playing for Bath. Meanwhile, key flanker Schalk Burger is out for two weeks as he needs to rest a calf problem
Other South Africa players who are also dealing with injury problems include Fourie du Preez (calf), Adrian Jacobs (shoulder) and Andries Bekker (rib).