Article: Spies thrives on adversity; Lanky forward is always ready to rise to the occasion when the chips are down.(Sports)

BYLINE: VATA NGOBENI

Will Pierre Spies have to hang up his rugby boots and find another passion? Ballroom dancing, perhaps?

This was one suggestion after the talented loose-forward was found to have blood clots in his lungs and ruled out of the World Cup squad.

Early concerns were that Spies, namesake son of another fine rugby player, may not be able to play rugby or any other contact sport again, depriving South African fans and the world of a true superstar in the mould of former All Black giant wing Jonah Lomu.

However, those who know the 22-year-old Spies laughed off the idea that he would have to swop his boots for dancing shoes.

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