The Springboks are set to begin their Rugby Championship journey next Saturday, which will kickstart a new Test season and build up excitement for the impending World Cup. However, the South African team may have to face a significant setback, as flyhalf Handre Pollard’s calf injury may prevent him from participating in the southern hemisphere’s premier rugby tournament.
Pollard’s Delayed Recovery
Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus reveals that Pollard’s recovery has been delayed, and he is now expected to follow in the footsteps of fellow Bok stalwart Siya Kolisi in returning to action during the World Cup warm-up games. This could pose a significant challenge for the coaches since Pollard is a crucial player in the team.
The Rugby Championship Campaign
The Rugby Championship campaign kicks off with a match against Australia at Loftus Versveld on Saturday, 8 July. The team will then face New Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday, 15 July. The shortened competition concludes with a game against Argentina at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 29 July. The team will subsequently enter a series of three warm-up matches to prepare for the global showpiece event.
Injury Concerns
With Pollard’s participation uncertain, Erasmus highlights the team’s sole significant injury concern ahead of the Rugby Championship. Pollard’s calf injury, which he sustained while playing for Leicester, leaves coaches and fans holding their breath in anticipation of his recovery.
Positive News
Despite Pollard’s injury setback, the team has received some positive news. Flyhalf Damian Willemse has been declared fit for the Rugby Championship, while lock Eben Etzebeth and scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse are expected to return to action during the competition as they continue recovering from shoulder injuries. Erasmus states that Etzebeth and Hendrikse’s test results look promising, and Willemse’s return is confirmed. Additionally, utility forward Jean-Luc du Preez has joined the squad in Pretoria, providing further depth and options for the team.
The Way Forward
The Springboks’ preparation for the upcoming Rugby Championship and World Cup has been significantly affected by the uncertainty surrounding Handre Pollard’s recovery. The coaches and fans will have to pin their hopes on the rising stars like Damian Willemse and Jean-Luc du Preez, as key players like Pollard and Kolisi are targeting a comeback during the warm-up games.
The team’s resilience and adaptability will be crucial in overcoming injury setbacks and maintaining their status as formidable contenders in the world of rugby. The coming weeks will reveal how the team navigates this uncertain period, as the excitement surrounding the Rugby Championship and World Cup continues to grow.
