The Springboks' infirmary is finally emptying, just in time for the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha. Injured warriors Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, and Makazole Mapimpi are all buckling up their boots, ready to rejoin the fray, much to the delight of coach Rassie Erasmus and fans alike. Last week's victory over the Barbarians and the upcoming clash with Italy at Loftus Versfeld had to proceed without these key players, but no more.
Erasmus shared some insights on the health updates, particularly about his captain.
"He had a stiff neck, which has cleared up, but now he’s got a bit of Achilles stiffness,"
Erasmus explained. "It’s not serious – the scans are clear – but we’re just being careful. No player will play more than eight or nine matches this year, so we’d rather be safe." In Kolisi's absence, Jesse Kriel had the honor of leading the Boks as their 67th Test captain during the non-cap Baa Baas match.As for the other returning players, Williams and Mapimpi are shaking off their respective neck and hamstring concerns. Du Toit has been on the mend after shoulder surgery and rehab stints in Japan with Toyota Verblitz but is now set to bolster the Bok lineup once more.
There's also good news on the horizon for center Lukhanyo Am and prop Ntuthuko Mchunu. Am is targeting a return during the Rugby Championship after a knee setback, while Mchunu’s recovery from a similar injury is progressing better than expected, potentially cutting his sideline time significantly.
However, not all news from the treatment room is positive. Lock Jean Kleyn faces up to six weeks out following a knee injury incurred during the Barbarians game, with Erasmus awaiting further updates from his club, Munster.
The Boks are clearly navigating a minefield of injuries, but the return of their seasoned campaigners for the Italy Test will surely bolster their ranks. As the old saying goes, a team’s true depth is tested not when the stars are on the field, but when they are off it. Erasmus and his squad will be hoping that the return of these key players marks the beginning of a healthy and victorious chapter in their 2025 campaign.