Several eyebrows were raised when the 33-man Springbok squad to travel to this year’s Rugby World Cup in France was named. Photo: EPA-EFE/MARK R. CRISTINO
LATEST: Five major Springbok injury updates
The Springbok team have had to contend with their fair share of injuries ahead of the World Cup. Here are some key updates.
Several eyebrows were raised when the 33-man Springbok squad to travel to this year’s Rugby World Cup in France was named. Photo: EPA-EFE/MARK R. CRISTINO
To some degree, the Springbok coaches will need to gamble somewhat on players who have been carrying injuries ahead of the World Cup.
LIVE | Rugby World Cup 2023: Springbok squad announcement
Here is all the latest information on key Springbok player injury updates
Handre Pollard
Pollard is in a race against time to prove his fitness for the Springboks’ World Cup opener against Scotland after a calf injury has taken longer than expected to heal. The veteran flyhalf has seen his recovery timeline pushed back on more than one occasion, and there is cause for concern about his fitness.
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Siya Kolisi
Before the Springboks’ Rugby Championship game against Argentina at Ellis Park, it was good to see Kolisi taking part in contact warm-up drills. The Springbok captain is expected to be available for the remaining warm-up games against Wales or New Zealand.
Lukhanyo Am
The world-class centre suffered what looked to be a worrying knee injury against Argentina in Buenos Aires, and it remains to be seen what the full diagnosis may be. It’s another big question mark for the Springboks.
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Ox Nche
If all goes well, Nche could return for perhaps the final World Cup warm-up game against New Zealand on 25 August. His presence in France will be warmly welcome, although it is a pity that he will have missed the majority of the games leading up to the tournament.
Jaden Hendrikse
The talented scrumhalf has been declared fit after recovering from a serious shoulder injury, but he hasn’t played at all in 2023. It remains to be seen whether the Springboks still feel he should go to the World Cup.
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WORLD CUP FIXTURES:
Sunday, 10 September – Boks v Scotland (Stade Velodrome, Marseille)
Sunday, 17 September – Boks v Romania (Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)
Saturday, 23 September – Boks v Ireland (Stade de France, Paris)
Sunday, 1 October – Boks v Tonga (Stade Velodrome, Marseille)
Weekend of 14/15 October – Quarter-finals
Weekend of 21/22 October – Semi-finals
Saturday, 28 October – Final
