HUGE BLOW: Three Springboks players careers under jeopardy due too serious injury.
Serious injury and some very costly recent actions have this Springboks trios careers all hanging on thin ice.
The Springboks are entering a new chapter and these three players could all miss out.
The Springboks have followed their Rugby World Cup title defense in France with even success, silverware and dominance.
As if back-to-back Rugby World Cup trophies and British & Irish series trophies weren’t enough. Now, the Springboks are Nelson Mandela plate and Freedom Cup winners too. They are also on the cusp of becoming the Rugby Champions. However, it’s not all sunshine’s and roses in the Bok camp as not one, not two but three players careers are hanging on thin ice.
RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL TO BE HIS SPRINGBOK FINALE?
Deon Fourie last represented the Springboks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris in France.
Furthermore, he put in one of the most memorable and heroic displays in the green and gold. The dynamic and multi-faceted forward replaced Bongi Mbonambi two minutes in. Moreover, he went on to put in a monumental 78 minute shift. In fact, he ended the match as captain.
Unfortunately, he has not played for the Springboks since then. Fourie picked up a serious long-term injury earlier this year.
Therefore, at the age of 37 (38 in two days), speculation over his Springboks career is rife. After all, he is one of the oldest professionals in the modern era. Additionally, his injury is an ACL and it is long-term. Hence, Fourie missing every Boks test this year and all rugby since April.
MANIE, IS NIE DIE MAAN NIE
There is no doubt in Manie Libboks raw talent. However, there is no doubt that his kicking ability is not up to international standards either. Especially, not for the Springboks.
Libbok missed kick against Argentina was more than just a miss. Ultimately, it confirmed the significant risk involved in allowing him to kick at goal. Manie Libbok missed two crucial kicks against Ireland in the group stages of the Rugby World Cup which could have been the difference between a win (or draw) and a loss.
Libboks miss against Argentina was a sitter at this level. Furthermore, it cost the Springboks the match as well as their number one spot in the World Rankings.
The sole argument for Libbok is what he brings to the side on attack. However, the Springboks now have Sacha-Feinberg MngomeZulu. A player who offers as much on attack and consistency off the tee. As it is, Libbok has struggled for gametime under Rassie with Sacha seemingly transitioning into the new back-up to veteran pivot, Handre Pollard. Now, given yet another chance he blew it – big time.
LANKY LOOD ENTERING LATTER STAGES OF BOK CAREER
Lanky Lood has been sidelined for over a year now. Moments before the Springboks announced their Rugby World Cup squad, Lood picked up an injury that saw him miss the squad.
It turned out to a pericarditis, a heart condition that almost ended his career. Thankfully, he recovered well but he then picked up a shoulder injury resulting in recent hospitalization.
At 31, (32 in December), Lood is in the latter stages of his career. Meaning, he will unlikely feature in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He is the man most likely to return and still be prominent for the Boks of the trio of aforementioned players.