The Springboks flanker Francois Louw has undergone surgery after he injured his neck in the Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand in Wellington.
Springbok flanker Francois Louw Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Team doctor Craig Roberts says he was suffering from a pinched nerve in his neck and today had surgery on the affected disc which should relieve the pressure.
He's expected to be out of action for six weeks.
Roberts says Louw may be ready for the November Tests in Europe.
The Springboks have called up the experienced Schalk Burger to replace Louw in the squad.
Burger, capped 71 times for the Boks, was in action for his Japanese club, Suntory, on Friday, and arrived in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Apart from Burger, Boks coach Heyneke Meyer can call on Warren Whitely and Teboho "Oupa" Mohoje, both of whom were on the recent tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Another Wellington casualty, halfback Ruan Pienaar, is on the mend after a knee injury.
