Springbok Back Row Stocks Suffer Another Blow as Cameron Hanekom Faces Injury Setback
Rassie Erasmus’ plans for the upcoming Springboks’ two-Test series against Ireland have been dealt a further blow, with uncapped back-rower Cameron Hanekom set to miss out due to injury.
The 22-year-old Bulls’ standout impressed during the recently concluded United Rugby Championship (URC) season, particularly in the semi-final victory over Leinster. His breakout campaign earned him a call-up to the Bok alignment camps, and he was widely expected to be included in the wider squad to face the Irish.
However, Hanekom sustained a hamstring injury in the 48th minute of the URC final against Glasgow Warriors, effectively ruling him out of contention for the international matches. This comes as another setback for Erasmus’ back row stocks, with Jasper Wiese already suspended for the series after his sending-off in his final outing for Leicester Tigers.
“The loss of Hanekom is a significant blow, with Springbok great Schalk Burger praising the youngster’s performances, stating that he had ‘put his hand up’ for selection with his ‘beast mode’ display against Leinster.”
As Erasmus prepares to name an updated Springboks squad ahead of the Ireland series, the head coach will be looking to Evan Roos and Kwagga Smith to fill the number eight role, while Hanekom’s Bulls teammate Elrigh Louw could also feature if called into the squad.
The Springboks recently kickstarted their international season with a convincing 41-13 victory over Wales, laying down an early marker ahead of the highly anticipated clashes with Ireland.
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