The South African rugby team, the Springboks, are gearing up for the Rugby Championship despite facing some challenges with injuries. The team’s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, has expressed concern over the flyhalf position due to injuries sustained by Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse. In response, Elton Jantjies has been called up to provide additional depth in this crucial role.
Pollard’s Recovery Delayed, Willemse Makes Full Recovery
In a recent press conference in Pretoria, Erasmus confirmed that Pollard is unlikely to recover in time for the Rugby Championship. However, he also shared the positive news that Willemse has made a full recovery from his injury. Erasmus explained that Pollard had re-injured his calf while playing for Leicester, which caused concern for the team.
Libbok to Step Up as Starter
As a result of the injury to Pollard, Manie Libbok is expected to step up and make his Test debut as a starter in the upcoming match against the Wallabies in Pretoria. The Springboks will then face New Zealand in Auckland, followed by Argentina in Johannesburg to conclude the abbreviated version of the Rugby Championship.
Hope for Etzebeth and Hendrikse’s Recovery
There is also still hope that Eben Etzebeth and Jaden Hendrikse may recover in time for the final Rugby Championship Test. The Springboks are gearing up for a busy season, with the Rugby Championship matches followed by warm-up fixtures for the Rugby World Cup (RWC).
Springboks’ RWC Ambitions
The team will face Argentina in Buenos Aires, Wales in Cardiff, and New Zealand in London as they prepare for the highly-anticipated tournament. The 2023 RWC fixtures for the Springboks include matches against Scotland, Romania, Ireland, and Tonga. Following the group stage, the team will aim to advance through the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately reach the final match on October 28th.
Captain Kolisi Grateful for Teammates’ Support
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has expressed gratitude for the support of his teammates during tough times, stating that he can “lean on” them. As the team gears up for the Rugby Championship and the RWC, it is clear that camaraderie and determination will be key factors in their success.
Despite facing some injury concerns, the Springboks are showing resilience and are focused on both their short-term goals in the Rugby Championship and their long-term ambitions in the Rugby World Cup. With a supportive team dynamic and a strong determination to succeed, the Springboks are poised to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season head-on.
