Namibian center Le Roux Malan, injured against New Zealand on Friday, underwent a “successful” operation after a fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, according to Welwitschias coach Allister Coetzee.
Malan was injured in the 17th minute of the Group A match largely won by the All Blacks (71-3) in Toulouse.
The match was interrupted for several minutes as Malan was treated on the field. “It’s a fracture and a dislocation, so it’s quite difficult for him. And the sooner you operate, the faster your recovery will be. According to the doctor, the operation went very well,” underlined the coach.
Images that sent a chill through Toulouse as the rain continued to fall on the Stadium. Released after several minutes of stoppage time, Le Roux Malan was widely applauded by the public, but also the All Blacks and even Luke Pearce, the referee of the match.
Coetzee thanked the New Zealanders for giving Malan, who will return to Namibia and be replaced by a full back not yet named, a signed jersey. “It’s a nice gesture,” said Coetzee, former Springbok coach.
“It’s not just about talking about the ethics, culture and values of rugby, but living them and feeling them. For me, it’s incredible for the All Blacks to do something like that,” said the 60-year-old coach.