Springboks number eight Jasper Weise has revealed he could be back in action as early as mid-June, putting him firmly back in the mix for the July Tests should Rassie Erasmus call on him.
The powerhouse number eight was feared to be out for the season with a neck injury.
Jasper Wiese handed huge injury boost ahead of July Tests
The 28-year-old, who is one of multiple Boks stars plying their trade in Japan after moving to the Far East from Leicester Tigers at the end of last season, initially believed he was out for the rest of the season, and by extension the Boks July Tests against Italy and Georgia.
“I just wanted to say that I had to come back to South Africa to get an operation on my neck,” Wiese said in a club statement confirming his injury.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play again this season, but please, your support means the world to us… I really appreciate it, and for the team, all the best for the season. Thank you.”
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However, in a twist of fate, Wiese is looking increasingly likely to don the Green and Gold jersey this July and add to his tally of 34 caps.
“Hopefully I’ll be ready by mid-June if everything goes well,” Wiese said.
The number eight is now one of several options available to Erasmus at the base of the scrum this year, with the Boks head coach again likely to use a high number of players this Test season.
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In-form Stormers man Evan Roos and Bulls star Cameron Hanekom are two out-and-out eights Erasmus could turn to this year, and Sale Sharks’ Dan du Preez is also an option.
Around that, current Boks skipper Siya Kolisi has made the shift to eight for the Sharks and could taste minutes there at Test level, but is still more likely to don the number seven shirt. Versatile forward Kwagga Smith could also feature here too.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/springboks-powerhouse-handed-major-injury-boost-ahead-of-july-tests
