South Africa
Positive signs as De Villiers continues recovery
ESPN Staff
January 20, 2015
Jean de Villiers hasn't given up hope of captaining the Springboks at RWC 2015 © PA Photos
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Springboks skipper Jean de Villiers is progressing well in his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered against Wales last year.

The veteran centre is in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup in England, after he underwent surgery on a dislocated knee-cap following South Africa's 12-6 loss to Wales in Cardiff.

But the early signs appear positive with De Villiers revealing his knee had responded well in the first stages of rehabilitation.

"I've started swimming and doing some exercises on a static bicycle," said De Villiers. "At the moment we're still testing to see how the knee reacts to different movements and it's looking good. It's also great that we can count on the medical expertise of so many people and I'm grateful to everyone involved."

De Villiers isn't likely to play any part in the Stormers' Super Rugby season, leaving him just three Rugby Championship games in which to prove his fitness.

Springboks team doctor Craig Roberts said De Villiers' rehabilitation was off to a good start.

"It's great to know we're all pulling in the same direction as this is obviously a very important matter," Roberts said. "Luckily Jean is very positive about his rehabilitation and he's already working incredibly hard to ensure everything remains on track for him to make it to the World Cup. Obviously it's still too early in the process to confirm he will be ready for the tournament, but we're taking it week by week and will be doing everything we can to get him to England."

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