In selecting his first Springbok training squad of the year, Rassie Erasmus cast his net far and wide, naming 54 players, nine of whom are uncapped.
Five players, meanwhile, were not considered for selection due to injuries: Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane.
What is the injury timeline for these Springboks?
Frans Malherbe
Issue: Niggling back injury
Expected return: There is a chance he could be rested for the July internationals, but the big prop should certainly be readily available for the Rugby Championship.
Elrigh Louw
Issue: Serious leg injury
Expected return: Early next year.
Ben-Jason Dixon
Issue: Wrist injury
Expected return: He will miss the July internationals, but could be back in contention during the Rugby Championship.
Deon Fourie
Issue: Serious ankle injury.
Expected return: He should be back in training before the Rugby Championship.
Trevor Nyakane
Issue: Ruptured Achilles tendon
Expected return: Towards the end of 2025
ULL SPRINGBOK SQUAD:
Forwards: Cameron Hanekom, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Bulls), Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Neethling Fouche, Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Renzo du Plessis, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie (Bulls), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse (Stormers), Quan Horn, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe (Lions), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT).
HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK THESE INJURED PLAYERS WILL BE MISSED?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men’s game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October.
Ticket sales
Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s.
(*booking fees apply)
Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/five-players-unavailable-to-springboks-when-will-they-be-back/
