Schalk Burger expects to make his long-awaited comeback in a pre-season match for the Stormers.
The Bok flanker had a neck fusion operation after the Test series against Scotland in June, and is currently with the Stormers at their pre-season camp in George.
Speaking to the Sun’s Adnaan Mohamed, Burger said he planned to be back on the rugby field in just under a month’s time.
“In January we have two practice games, one against the Bulls on the 13th and one against Boland on the 20th. I reckon I’ll be able to play in one of those games,” he said.
“I’ve taken semi-contact already, but not yet full contact. Ill probably work that in at a later stage.”
Burger said the time away from the game had benefited him.
“It was very nice for me. When you are not playing you see the game a little differently and it makes you very hungry. If you play too much, you can sometimes become ‘gatvol’. But now I feel rested and I’m aching to play again.”
I have mixed feelings about Schalk Burger's return. On the one hand I wonder if he has recovered from his injury. On the other hand it would be awesome to see him combine with Luke Watson. Luke Watson may play a game which could allow Schalk Burger to show his other skills (apart from being a fetcher). Its an awesome prospect. I also bet Mr White cannot wait for Schalk to return.
cyfermaster
Dec 18 2006, 11:06 AM
er... wasn't he meant to be off for like 6 - 8 months or something?? I reckon this is foolish and far too early, but then I am no expert. I am sure the experts would have told him if it was too early.
Mr. White has something against Luke Watson, and I don't see him playing any time soon. Wouldn't mind being wrong. Wouldn't mind it as well if Mr. White chose the best scrummy in the country to play in any upcoming matches.
CyberStorm
Dec 27 2006, 02:45 AM
QUOTE
Mr. White has something against Luke Watson,
Ya. Definitely some bad blood there! Jake, rountinely says Luke is just too small, but look at Richie McCaw. He is not the biggest guy in the all black team and is similar in size to Watson. Look at his contribution to the all-blacks. Unfortunately, Jake's just got it in for Watson!!!
cyfermaster
Dec 27 2006, 02:52 AM
QUOTE
Unfortunately, Jake's just got it in for Watson!!!
He has it in for a few players. It is sad, because it stops us from putting the best team out there. It is also apparent in cricket. Klusener and McKenzie don't play for SA, because Smith doesn't like them. Total BS IMHO.
CyberStorm
Dec 27 2006, 04:40 AM
QUOTE
He has it in for a few players. It is sad, because it stops us from putting the best team out there. It is also apparent in cricket. Klusener and McKenzie don't play for SA, because Smith doesn't like them. Total BS IMHO.
The sorry state of South African sport!!! When will the administrators learn??? Imagine Klusener and Kemp together at next years cricket world cup?? Now, that, would be awesome!!!!!!
cyfermaster
Dec 29 2006, 01:30 PM
I don't think the administrators are going to change their ways too soon. The thing is, I don't understand what is so great about Graeme Smith? Why is it that if he doesn't like a player that deserves to be in the team, then that player is not in the team? I just don't get it. His excuse for getting rid of Lance was, he is not a team player... something along those lines. For crying out loud, he must be a team player if he goes out there and does what the team requires. I can almost guarantee you that if Jacques Kallis ever had to go in when Lance Klusener did, he wouldn't get us close, not because he doesn't have the ability, but because if he failed his average would drop.
cyfermaster
Jan 14 2007, 04:21 PM
Well, it looks like he played this weekend against the Bulls in a friendly. I wonder how bright that was, although everyone is saying that it went really well. Hopefully it is all good, and he can be back to his best to help the stormers in the Super 14, and the boks in the Tri Nations and World Cup.
Gitano
Jan 14 2007, 10:51 PM
Lets face it guys, as much as we think that it really shouldn't happen, its going to eventually, emotions and personal relationships are going to have their say in the selection of teams. Thats just how it goes. Same as politics, it shouldn't be anywhere near sport, but it is, so lets stop whining
Paul
Jan 14 2007, 11:12 PM
schalk is a much needed force. The sooner he comes back, the better
cyfermaster
Jan 15 2007, 01:19 AM
The sooner the better yes, but I don't want to see him play 1 and a half games and get injured again because he wasn't off for long enough... Let's hope that doesn't happen.
CyberStorm
Jan 15 2007, 01:23 AM
Schalk is too valuable a player to lose to injury again, especially with the World Cup so close.
Gitano
Jan 15 2007, 06:02 AM
I really don't know what all the hype about Burger is. He gives away 99994847464 penalties in every game, and only gains us about a try every 3rd or 4th game!
I have never rated him, and I still think that he can be a stupid fool on the field at times, making schoolboy errors and clearly being on his own agenda. Sometimes, yes, I agree, he pulls out some amazing play, but personally, I find it very rare.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
