There are finally some important updates on two Springboks who have spent an extended period on the sidelines due to injury.
Frans Malherbe and Cameron Hanekom may be at opposite stages of their Springbok careers, but both face an important season if they hope to push for a place in the 2027 World Cup squad.
Malherbe is about to turn 35-years-old, but if he can get back to full fitness, there is little doubt that he would be part of the Springbok title defence. However, concerns over a serious back and neck injury have cast doubt over his playing future.
Meanwhile, Hanekom has similarly been sidelined for the better part of the last year after suffering a severe hamstring tendon tear.
Yet the talented loose forward, who has one Test cap to his name, is now in line to return to play next month, which will also be great news to the Springbok coaches who already included the 23-year-old in the first national alignment camp of the year.
Good news for Springboks and Bulls
Bulls Johan Ackermann said he was finally comfortable to put a return date down for Hanekom.
I was nervous to put a timeline to it, but I think we will probably work towards Cardiff (20 March) or Munster (28 March) to see Cameron back,” Ackermann explained.
That’s the earliest I think. His rehab has obviously been up and down. The last couple of weeks have really gone well. Now it’s just to build up his endurance, build up his contact and the rugby side of things. That’s the part we don’t want to rush now, so close to the finish line.
Next week is not ideal, it’s a rugby week that we lose with the guys going to the alignment camp, and they are not in our hands. The week after that is probably the week that we must progress the build-up to a rugby contact.
That’s why I say if we want to be realistic, probably around Cardiff.
Malherbe also back in the mix
Malherbe’s inclusion in the latest Springbok squad is the first real indication that he is making good progress from his injury woes, and remains very much part of the team’s planning.
It’s hoped that the burly prop will be available for selection when the Springboks kick off their season on Saturday, 20 June against the Barbarians in Gqeberha
