Springbok injury update: Flyer could return soon!
Today at 07:43 AM
Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok squad depth will be tested later this year due to a growing number of injuries to key players. But there has been some good news in the latest injury update.
In total, 12 Springbok players are currently out of action and sidelined with injuries, namely Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Steven Kitshoff, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Salmaan Moerat, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Johan Goosen, Ruan Nortje, Aphelele Fassi, Eben Etzebeth, Andre Esterhuizen.
However, there has been some good news on the injury front in the latest updated shared by the Sharks.
For one, flyer Aphelele Fassi, who is nursing an ankle injury sustained in their URC showdown with the Stormers in December, could also make a welcome return to the national team in the next few weeks.
The Springbok’s return date was initially unclear, but it now seems highly likely that he will soon come back into the selection mix for the Sharks and by default South Africa for the mid-year Tests.
In a lengthy video shared on the Sharks’ social media platforms, Fassi confirmed his return to training and reflected on his recovery journey and the challenges he faced.
"When this [injury] happened, I started journaling, looking at my thoughts and how negative and positive I was," the Springbok said.
"So, when I come back that is what I want to change in terms of not always thinking negatively and be more positive and I want to surround myself with people in times like this. I'm focused on getting better every day."
SPRINGBOK PLAYERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY INJURED
- Manie Libbok (leg injury)
- Damian Willemse (groin injury)
- Steven Kitshoff (neck injury)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (shoulder injury)
- Salmaan Moerat (knee injury)
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels (ankle injury)
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (clavicle)
- Johan Goosen (knee injury)
- Ruan Nortje (knee injury)
- Aphelele Fassi (knee/ankle injury)
- Eben Etzebeth (concussion)
- Andre Esterhuizen (knee injury)
BOKS' 2025 TEST SCHEDULE:
5 July: vs Italy, Venue TBC
12 July: vs Italy, TBC
19 July: vs Georgia, TBC
16 August: vs Australia, TBC
23 August: vs Australia, TBC
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, TBC
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, TBC
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin
WHICH SPRINGBOK FIXTURES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this TSA article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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BY THE NUMBERS IN 2024
#1 on the World Rugby Rankings
13 Tests Played
11 Tests won
2 Tests lost
57 tries scored
23 tries conceded (three clean-sheets, against Australia, New Zealand and Scotland)
450 points scored
220 points conceded
50 players used
4 captains (Kolisi, Moerat, Du Toit and Etzebeth)
3 World Rugby Player of the Year nominations (Du Toit, Etzebeth and Kolbe)
12 new caps
New caps:
Jordan Hendrikse
Edwill vd Merwe
Ben-Jason Dixon
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Johan Grobbelaar
Phepsi Buthelezi
Morne van den Berg
Andre-Hugo Venter
Ruan Venter
Quan Horn
Cameron Hanekom
50th Tests
Vincent Koch
Kwagga Smith
