Two Springbok stars who were sidelined due to injuries since the World Cup are on the brink of making their return to the field.
The Springboks’ triumphant World Cup campaign has been etched in history as South Africa secured its fourth Webb Ellis trophy, though not without its toll.
Several team members are in the process of recovering from injuries incurred during the international tournament, with Jesse Kriel and Faf de Klerk, both two-time World Cup champions, recently undergoing surgery, now facing extended periods away from play due to injuries sustained in Japan. However, there’s positive news with two players making significant strides in their recovery. Munster announced that lock RG Snyman is back in full training and is anticipated to be up for selection this month.
Snyman, who was dealing with a chest injury from the Rugby World Cup final in October, underwent surgery in November. Initially, his return was forecasted for March, but his recovery has outpaced expectations.
In addition, forward Frans Malherbe is deemed 70% ready to take on the Sharks in Durban on February 17th as the URC gets back underway next week.
Malherbe has been recuperating from a long-standing back injury since his return from the World Cup in France, showing considerable progress in the past weeks.
FOUR SPRINGBOK WORLD CUP STARS STILL RECOVERING
Bongi Mbonambi
The Sharks’ hooker encountered a severe knee injury early in the Rugby World Cup final, resulting from a hazardous ruck cleanout.
Mbonambi’s prolonged absence is a significant setback for the Sharks, with expectations that he might miss the whole URC season as he recovers from an ACL injury.
Jesse Kriel
Kriel has returned to South Africa for a successful surgery on his right thumb, as shared in a recent Instagram update. He’s aiming for a comeback towards the season’s end, potentially being fit for the Boks’ July matches against Ireland.
Jean Kleyn
It has been confirmed that lock Jean Kleyn will undergo knee surgery as well.
Kleyn also sustained an eye injury in Munster’s URC derby loss to Leinster in November. With recovery taking longer than anticipated, he has chosen to proceed with knee surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
Faf de Klerk
The experienced scrumhalf’s recent knee surgery means he will be absent from the field for a considerable period.
Vincent Koch
Koch, a substitute in two Rugby World Cup playoff matches, will be out for three months due to a knee injury that barred him from participating in the final.
Koch’s absence is another hit for the Sharks, who were relying on the prowess of two World Cup-winning Springboks in their front row.
