Springboks: Comprehensive injury update ahead of title defining All Blacks Tests
The Springboks will be without Faf de Klerk amongst other Rugby World Cup winners for the two home Tests against New Zealand in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
According to the Rapport, De Klerk is suffering from a thigh injury that could even keep him on the sidelines for the remainder of the year. Tireless second-row Franco Mostert is also set to miss the All Blacks Tests as he is still recovering from a broken fibula suffered against Ireland.
Sticking with the second-row, the same report confirmed Lood de Jager to be out until the turn of the year with a shoulder injury while Jean Kleyn (minor eye surgery) could be back in September.
Stormers star Evan Roos is another player who is set for a long period off the field after he had shoulder surgery, meaning he’s out for four to six months
Promising development
Another Cape Town-based superstar Damian Willemse is nearing his return having started training again with the Stormers following his finger surgery a few months ago. The full-back could be ready for a full return in four to six weeks.
Test rookie Edwill van der Merwe is still out with an ankle injury and the Rapport suggests he may only start running in six weeks’ time.
It is not all doom and gloom with highly-rated uncapped number eight Cameron Hanekom recently returning to full training with the Bulls while Canan Moodie has already made his injury return for the Pretoria side in the Currie Cup.
Back from the naughty corner
Also returning, but from suspension this time, is the duo of Andre Esterhuizen and Jasper Wiese which will be a very welcome boost for Rassie Erasmus.
The Rapport also clarified the situation with the Tshituka brothers, Vincent and Emmanuel, after it was reported that the pair are now eligible to play for the Springboks. This is said to not be confirmed yet as the Congolese brothers have been granted South African citizenship but only when they receive their passports can they represent the country
