England tour of South Africa
Oosthuizen ruled out of Test series
ESPN Staff
June 12, 2012
The Bulls' Dean Greyling powers through, Bulls v Cheetahs, Super Rugby, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa, May 28, 2011
Dean Greyling has been called up for the injured Coenie Oosthuizen © Getty Images
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South Africa have suffered a blow ahead of the second Test with England following the news that prop Coenie Oosthuizen will miss the rest of the series.

The prop took his bow for the Springboks from the bench against England on Saturday and impressed during his 22 minute spell but he now faces three months out due to a bulging disc.

Dean Greyling has been called into the squad as cover and takes Oosthuizen's place. Boks coach Heyneke Meyer paid tribute to Oosthuizen saying: "Coenie has brought a lot of energy to our team and he played a major part in our victory in the first Test, making a big impact when he came on.

"The player's welfare comes first and we decided that it would be best for Coenie to get some proper rest and rehabilitation now. Hopefully he'll be back to full fitness soon. He definitely has a role to play in future."

The news is South Africa's second injury blow after full-back Zane Kirchner was ruled out of the second Test with a knee problem. Gio Aplon has been added to the squad but Kirchner's place in the side is likely to go to Pat Lambie, who came on as a substitute in Durban.

Greyling could come into contention for the second Test, for which the side is due to be announced by Meyer tomorrow. Meyer said: "Dean brings experience to the squad and, like Coenie, he is a loosehead that can play tighthead if needed. He now has an opportunity to show what he can do and he needs to grab it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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