The Springboks during a training session. Photo: SA Rugby website.
One Springbok World Cup star injured, another returns
There have been two interesting developments on the injury front as one Springbok World Cup star returns, while another is sidelined.
The Springboks during a training session. Photo: SA Rugby website.
When it comes to the Springbok World Cup-winning squad, there have been several injuries to report since the global showpiece came to an end.
The good news is that most are expected to return in time for the start of the international season in June, with tighthead prop Frans Malherbe now confirmed to have recovered from a frustrating back injury.
Malherbe, who has yet to play for the Stormers since returning from the World Cup, is now finally set to feature in the matchday 23 in a massive URC derby against the Bulls this weekend.
“The level of competition in our team is fizzing. It’s really nice to have Frans back, highly experienced and he is probably one of the best tightheads in the world,” forwards coach Rito Hlungwani stated. “That will definitely improve our environment and push Neethling to improve even more.
“Whether Frans starts or is on the bench, he will have a role to play. So will Neethling,” Hlungwani added. “I must also say that we’ve got a few youngsters back, like Sazi Sandi and Lee-Marvin Mazibuko. So it’s been a fight at training because everyone wants to prove themselves.
“Having Frans back is a big boost and it’s lifted the players to train even better.”
One Springbok World Cup star back, another out for a while
Although the likes of Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi and RG Snyman have now recovered from injuries suffered during the World Cup, it’s recently been revealed that star wing Cheslin Kolbe is recovering from a hand injury.
The good news is that it’s not expected to keep him out of action for too long, with the Springboks set to start their Test season with a clash against Wales at the iconic Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 22 June.
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CONFIRMED SPRINGBOKS FIXTURES FOR 2024:
Saturday, 22 June: SA vs Wales (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs SA (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs SA (Optus Stadium, Perth)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 21 September: Argentina v SA (venue TBC)
Saturday, 28 September: SA v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
16/17 November: England v SA (Twickenham, London – date TBC)
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