Rugby: Springbok flanker Burger makes comeback

CAPE TOWN - South Africa flanker Schalk Burger makes his comeback from a severe neck injury when he plays for the Stormers in a Super 14 warm-up this weekend.

Stormers coach Kobus van der Merwe has named the 23-year-old in his team to face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Sunday.

Burger, the 2004 world player of the year, needed a neck operation after being injured in the second test against Scotland in June.

In his absence, the Springboks lost their next five matches and only won five games the entire year.

"Schalk has been working very hard and his recovery has been pleasing," Van der Merwe told the Cape Times.

"I have no trouble playing him on Saturday and I want to give him as much game time as possible before the Super 14 starts (on Feb. 2)."

- REUTERS