South Africa's Damian de Allende and Duane Vermeulen ruled out for France Test
Monday 5 June 2017 13:23, UK
South Africa centre Damian de Allende and loose forward Duane Vermeulen have been ruled out of the first Test against France this weekend, coach Allister Coetzee said Monday.
De Allende has not recovered from a thigh injury sustained last month playing for Western Stormers in the Super Rugby competition.
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Vermeulen will arrive in South Africa Tuesday - too late to be considered for the first Test at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria Saturday, said Coetzee.
He was part of the Toulon team beaten 22-16 by Clermont Sunday in the French Top 14 final.
Centre Lionel Mapoe, promoted from the South Africa A squad after Lukhanyo Am withdrew injured last week, is a doubtful starter.
Seeking redemption after a disastrous eight-loss 2016 season, the Springboks face Les Bleus on June 10 in Pretoria, June 17 in Durban and June 24 in Johannesburg.
