Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks' head coach, has confirmed that Eben Etzebeth, due to ongoing injury concerns, will be sidelined until the 8th of August for the match against Argentina. However, there's a silver lining with positive updates on other team members including Siya Kolisi. Etzebeth sustained an injury during a training session before their recent victory over England in the Nations Championship. Given his history with concussions, the team is taking no risks, sidelining him for the upcoming games against Scotland at Loftus and Wales in Durban.
"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," Erasmus explained during a press conference on Monday.
"We are targeting Argentina for Eben’s return. The same goes for ‘Sous’ [Franco Mostert],"
Erasmus announced a refreshed squad set to face Scotland, as the team prepares for the high-stakes series against the All Blacks in August and September. The updates come as several key players like Lood de Jager and Ethan Hooker are on the mend from their injuries.
Regarding the team's injury status, Erasmus shared optimistic news: "Lood de Jager might be ready next week for the Wales game in Durban, he is closer than the others. Ethan could be available. Ox, Sacha, Krappies, all of them about three weeks before New Zealand, will be ready. Siya next week."
The Springboks' lineup against the Scots will see Pollard and Papier leading a new-look team. The team's resilience will be tested as they aim to maintain their momentum in the lead-up to facing the formidable All Blacks.
With several players like Siya Kolisi (hamstring), Lood de Jager (hip), Ethan Hooker (shoulder), Ox Nché (knee), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (ankle), and Morné van den Berg (bicep) making good progress in their recoveries, the Springboks are cautiously optimistic about their squad depth as critical matches loom on the horizon.
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
TEAM: Pollard, Papier.