Louw May Be Recalled

Bath flanker Francois Louw could be recalled by embattled South Africa after Jaco Kriel was ruled out for up to six months following shoulder surgery. This comes after Louw publicly commented on his inclusion in the national team.

An embattled South Africa reeling from some of the worst gaffes in sports performances is seeking to cut losses, this has led many to speculate if Boks may recall Bath flanker Francois Louw after Jaco Kriel was ruled out for up to six months following shoulder surgery.

Coach Allister Coetzee opted for home-based players and as a result Louw has not been chosen for the Springboks this season. But a back row without Kriel and long-term injury victim and skipper Warren Whiteley faced a humiliating 57-0 thrashing of New Zealand in Auckland last weekend. It was a record defeat for the two-time world champions, surpassing the 53-3 thrashing from England in London 15 years ago.

Coach Allister Coetzee in a television interview hinted that Louw could be brought back for the Rugby Championship matchup with Australia on September 30 in Bloemfontein, live on Sky Sports Action. He last wore the green and gold during a forgettable 2016 season in which they suffered a calendar-year record eight defeats in 12 Tests.

Before the mauling from the All Blacks, the Springboks had successfully positioned themselves for a revival this year by winning five consecutive Tests against France and Argentina and drawing in Australia.

Kriel injured his shoulder against the Wallabies in Perth, he and his club, 2017 Super Rugby runners-up the Lions, confirmed a probable six-month lay-off. This comes as surprising news to Francois Louw, who has been patiently building his performance and waiting in Baths’ line-up to get a chance to serve at the national side.