Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will be hoping no more of his players get hurt in the final round of United Rugby Championship (URC) matches. The games are the last club action before the Boks travel to Europe for Tests against Italy, Ireland and France.
The three matches form part of the Nations Championship and will close out South Africa’s international season, IOL Sport reported.
Several senior Springboks are already out injured. Hybrid back André Esterhuizen has an ankle injury, while flyhalf Handré Pollard hurt his hamstring. Both injuries happened in URC games.
The Stormers have also lost two hookers. André-Hugo Venter has an elbow injury and veteran Deon Fourie is out with a hamstring problem.
Loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon is dealing with concussion. Locks Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman, utility forward Kwagga Smith and utility back Cheslin Kolbe are also on the sidelines.
According to IOL Sport, the long injury list could push Erasmus and his coaches to look at fresh options for the tour. This may open the door for new players to earn a call-up.
Selection plans could still depend on how the final URC fixtures go and whether more players get injured.
The four South African franchises face different situations in the last round. The Lions play Glasgow Warriors in Scotland, while the Sharks take on Munster in Ireland.
Both touring sides are expected to need their best players on the field if they want to return home with good results.
The Stormers host Ulster and the Bulls host Scarlets. Playing at home could give these two teams more room to rest some of their international stars.
IOL Sport reported that the Stormers could rest flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to keep him fresh for the Tests. The report linked this to the injury Pollard picked up.
Even so, the demands of the competition may limit how much rotation the home sides can do.
The Springboks are not telling the franchises which players to rest. However, Erasmus and his staff will hope the teams take a careful approach with Springboks and fringe players he plans to include in his squad.
After an injury-hit build-up, the Boks need their remaining key players fit for the matches against Italy, France and Ireland.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.