Another Springbok undergoes surgery
Another Springbok has begun his injury rehabilitation after undergoing a medical procedure in hospital on Monday.
As the Springboks begin to edge closer towards the start of the Test season in the middle of the year, there will be a close eye kept on players who might pick up any injuries as the URC and European competitions head towards the business end.
In the latest snippet of news that may have concerned the Springbok coaches, Willie le Roux shared a picture to social media on Monday which showed him lying in a hospital bed after going under the knife.
Yet, the Bulls have clarified that the veteran fullback – who has actually been filling in at flyhalf of late – will only be sidelined for a few weeks.
“We can confirm that Willie le Roux – this afternoon (Monday) – underwent a minor repair in the shoulder/neck area. He is expected to return to full fitness within a short period of time as the procedure was a success,” a Bulls spokesperson confirmed.
There has also been a bit of concern after Bulls and Springbok No 8 Cameron Hanekom, just back from a calf injury, was forced off the field earlier than expected in this past weekend’s game against Leinster.
“He fell badly and twisted his lower back,” coach Jake White said post-match. “It’s just a spasm. When you’re as athletic as he is, you feel it more than other players. I don’t think it’s serious — he’s walking around now.
“But (Saturday’s win) has come at a cost because you can imagine, a red card and he (winger Seb de Klerk) will be out next week.”
Hooker Johan Grobbelaar, who battled through a shoulder issue, is another fitness worry.
“Grobbies’ shoulder is sore,” White added. “This competition is tough — every week we lose players to suspension, HIA or injury.”
The Springboks will be aware of an extensive injury toll in SA Rugby
Steven Kitshoff has of course retired, while Elrigh Louw and Trevor Nyakane are recovering from serious long-term injuries.
Eben Etzebeth has taken longer than expected to overcome a concussion, while Grant Williams will be out for two to three weeks due to a neck/back injury.
In other updates that will be getting attention from the Springbok coaches is the fact that veteran Faf de Klerk has reportedly fractured his thumb playing for his Japanese club Canon Eagles.
It’s believed he could miss up to two months of action, while Pieter-Steph du Toit is only set for a return to action with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz in April after undergoing surgery in January for a shoulder injury.
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