Rassie Erasmus loses star Springboks prop for Ireland series as injury is worse than expected
Springboks prop Steven Kitshoff is set to miss the upcoming internationals against Ireland in July.
The double Rugby World Cup-winning forward’s career with Ulster was cut short when he suffered a knee injury during the Irish province’s Challenge Cup quarterfinal loss to Clermont in April.
Kitshoff is running out of time to play for the Boks against Ireland as the Test season draws near, but sources from South Africa indicate that Rassie Erasmus will be without his loosehead prop.
Kitshoff sidelined for Ireland series
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Kitshoff has chronic damage to the lateral compartment of his knee, This is thought to mark the beginning of early arthritis.
He will miss the Tests against the reigning Six Nations champions due to an injury that is believed to be more serious than first anticipated, but the report indicates that he should be ready for the Rugby Championship.
The source also states that he is scheduled to play again against the All Blacks at the end of August, thus it is possible that he will miss the first Tests against Australia in the first two weeks of the competition.
Given that Ox Nche is expected to start or be a bench prop for Erasmus in the opening Test of the year against Wales at Twickenham, Kitshoff was bound to miss the match.
Second cap
Nthuthuko Mchunu, Nche’s teammate, may be eligible for a second Test cap against Wales now that the Sharks are eliminated from the United Rugby Championship play-offs. Depending on which SA team advances to the final on the same day, Mchunu may have other possibilities.
As previously stated, Kitshoff will be rejoining the Stormers for the upcoming season, marking the end of his time in Ulster. This season, he made 14 appearances for the Irish team.
Since making his debut against Ireland in 2016, the front rower has been a regular in the team, so his absence is undoubtedly a blow for the Boks.
Since then, he has earned 83 Test caps for South Africa, two Rugby World Cup victories, a British and
