The victorious South African team are still sweating on the fitness of star flank Schalk Burger, as they start preparations for the second Test in the three-match series against the British and Irish Lions in Pretoria on Saturday.

While there were no serious injuries in the Springbok squad, following the 26-21 first Test win in Durban at the weekend, the medical staff revealed that Burger is no guarantee for the second Test.

Addressing media at a press conference in Johannesburg on Monday, team doctor Craig Roberts confirmed that all the players from the weekend's encounter were fit for selection.

"Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and replacement prop Deon Carstens were taken off as a precautionary measure," Roberts said in giving his regular weekly medical update.

"Fourie took a knock to the shoulder and is a bit bruised whilst Deon was a bit sore on a shoulder that he has battled with before."

Asked about the injury to Burger, who was not available for the first Test due to a calf strain picked up in the Super 14, Roberts said the player had responded well to treatment.

"Schalk took part in most of the training session on Monday and an assessment on his condition will be done later in the week," he said.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers would not say whether there was a chance that Burger could play on Saturday, saying the team would be announced on Tuesday.

De Villiers reiterated his decision on the replacements in the first Test, despite comments that it could have cost the Boks the game.

"You must remember that those were seven Springboks that went onto the field, not schoolboys. I expected them to make an impact but it did not have the desired result.

"On another day it might well have had an impact and that is the beauty of sport. Perhaps I should have introduced them a bit further apart but I remain satisfied that all 22 got onto the park against the Lions," De Villiers said.

365

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