Two star Springboks have gone under the knife after sustaining injuries in Japan. Will they be back in time for the July Tests in South Africa?
Jesse Kriel and Faf de Klerk, two-time World Cup winners for the Springboks, underwent surgery in Japan and may be out for several months.
Both Kriel and De Klerk, who are players for the Canon Eagles in League One in Japan, were integral parts of the Springboks’ World Cup winning team in France the previous year, as South Africa won the Webb Ellis Cup twice in a row.
The Canon Eagles will, regrettably, be without their famous combo for some time since they recently had surgery to treat their individual injuries.
SPRINGBOKS PAIR OPEN UP ON INJURY STRUGGLES!
Kriel announced his temporary absence for an operation on his right thumb, which has been successful according to his recent Instagram post.
He aims to return for the end of the season, likely making him available for the Boks’ July fixtures against Ireland in the Republic.
“I’ve been struggling with my thumb that I need to go to get repaired and I have to have a surgery so I will be away for a while,” he wrote.
“Hopefully, I won’t miss too many games, and I’ll be back for a couple towards the conclusion of the season. I shall therefore try my hardest to heal as quickly as feasible.
De Klerk needed knee surgery, but there’s no set amount of time he needs to heal. De Klerk, the starting scrumhalf for the Springboks, expressed his regret at being sidelined but promised to put in a lot of effort to return as soon as possible.
He wrote on social media, “I can’t wait to get back on the field with the Eagles family as soon as possible, but I’m really disappointed that I need to have surgery on my knee.” “I promise to work extremely hard, but I kindly ask for everyone’s support of the squad. Thank you.
