Rugby
Lock crises hits Boks before All Blacks Test─── MORGAN PIEK 08:13 Tue, 27 Aug 2024
“At this point in time, RG Snyman is also unavailable due to a leg injury and unfortunately, I can’t go into detail with that, but he will be out for a couple of weeks. Eben Etzebeth is also struggling with a bit of a niggle.”
The Springboks’ depth in the second row will be tested over the next two weeks against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship. RG Snyman and Salmaan Moerat have both been ruled out for the Test this week against the All Blacks in Johannesburg.
To make matters worse, the seasoned campaigner Eben Etzebeth is doubtful with an undisclosed niggle. The World Cup winners, Jean Kleyn and Franco Mostert, are also not available due to injury.
There are still options for the Springboks with Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Ruan Nortjé in the squad, while Pieter Steph du Toit can play in the second row. The big concern is not the quality of those players, it’s just the lack of international experience, which only Du Toit has.
Salmaan Moerat. Photo: Morgan Piek
The Springboks’ forwards coach, Deon Davids, confirmed they are experiencing a crisis at lock, but feels that they have the players to cover and fill the important roles in the second row.
“Salmaan Moerat is following the normal protocol for an HIA, so unfortunately he won’t be available for selection,” said Davids.
“Unfortunately, we have a long injury list when it comes to our locks. At this stage, we know that guys like Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, and Jean Kleyn are out with injury. At this point in time, RG Snyman is also unavailable due to a leg injury and unfortunately, I can’t go into detail with that, but he will be out for a couple of weeks.
“At this point in time Eben Etzebeth is also struggling with a bit of a niggle, so it’s also something that we’re looking at in terms of his availability for this coming Test.
Ben-Jason Dixon. Photo: Morgan Piek
“Lucky, we have some good depth, in terms of guys who have played in those up till now in those positions. Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortjé had a good game in the last out. We have got Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg who we brought in. We also have Ben-Jason Dixon who is no stranger to lock.
“It is always tough when you lose players with experience but it is also a great and exciting opportunity to see the quality of what the next guy can bring to the squad.”
Rassie Erasmus will be naming his team for the Test on Tuesday afternoon. Saturday’s Test between the Springboks and All Blacks at Ellis Park kicks off at 17:00.
