Springboks: Full injury update, concern over Etzebeth concussion
· The South African
At the start of this week, the Springboks named a new-look team to face Scotland, and revealed that at least a few changes had been enforced by injuries – including the continued absence of Eben Etzebeth.
Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker all remain unavailable for selection this week due to their respective niggles.
Visit extonnews.click for more information.
What will be of some concern is that Etzebeth is again battling with a concussion issue, which has been a recurring concern in recent times, and led to his extended absence for much of the Sharks’ season.
Eben Etzebeth ruled out of Springboks July Tests
Rassie Erasmus told media on Monday that they would take a cautious approach when it came to Etzebeth, who won’t be considered for the upcoming matches against Scotland and Wales.
“Eben needs some proper time off because of concussion, and he has a history of concussion, so I don’t think Eben will play in these incoming matches.”
Etzebeth could be back in contention for the one-off game against Argentina on 8 August, but this is not guaranteed, while Franco Mostert probably won’t be available until then as well.
“Lood de Jager might be ready next week for the Wales game in Durban — he is closer than the others,” Erasmus added. “Ox Nche, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Morne van den Berg should all be ready about three weeks before New Zealand arrive (for the Greatest Rivalry Tour). Siya Kolisi will also be ready next week in Durban.”
Test of depth
Erasmus said they were happy with the squad depth, but admitted this will be a great test for the team.
“We told the players from the outset that we would give as many of them a chance as possible to play this season, while we are also trying to manage some players, while others are not available for selection this week, so it was important to select a team with some continuity from last week, while bringing in players we believe will be the right fit for what we are expecting from Scotland.
“They had a good Six Nations campaign, and they come off a victory against Argentina away, so they will be psyched up going into this match.”
SPRINGBOKS (to face Scotland) – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (c), 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter.
Subs: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zach Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Elrigh Louw, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Quan Horn.