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Rugby great Van der Westhuizen 'in critical condition'
By Tom Webber
South Africa rugby great Joost van der Westhuizen is in a critical condition in hospital as he continues to fight Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Van der Westhuizen, a member of the iconic 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok side, was diagnosed with the debilitating illness in 2011.
A deterioration in the 45-year-old's condition resulted in his admission to hospital on Saturday, according to a statement issued by the J9 Foundation, which he set up to help MND sufferers.
"The family and friends of Joost ask that you all pray for Joost. He was taken to hospital earlier today and is in a critical condition," read the statement.
"We ask that you all please respect the family's time at the moment."
Van der Westhuizen is widely regarded as one of the greatest scrum-halves in the game's history and lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy in 1995 when his side beat New Zealand 15-12 in the final.
He made 89 appearances for the Springboks over a 10-year international career, scoring 38 tries.
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Latest Comments
Paddy T is playing the best footy of his career off the bench, and he’s a leader.
Straight swap: Paddy in for Scott, Scott to the bench.
But I’m loving Tuipolotu as an impact sub.
Go to commentsWhats that team then? Are Clarke or Tele'a likely to come back? Proctor didn't return to the squad did he?
I'd like see the young fullbacks play fullback, and so Jordan cover on the wing instead. Even seeing Reiks on the other wing would be cool, Reece can go back on the bench if theres even room for him there.
So preferably it would be ALB and second five where he came of the bench in the weekend and was great. He's a bit slow on the play for outside center but looks like he might need to play there if we need wingers.
Cane really sounds like he'll bit fit, is he going to want to play? I'd really like to see Kirifi earn a cap if Lakai was the only 7 (Ardie has to be all used up/finished for the year). Which young lock are we going to see come in?
No team lists here, that's kid games...
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