Experienced Rugby Union Prop Steven Kitshoff Set to Miss Upcoming Ireland Tests for Springboks
South Africa’s rugby union team, the Springboks, are set to be without their seasoned prop Steven Kitshoff for the upcoming international matches against Ireland in July. Kitshoff, a double Rugby World Cup winner, sustained a knee injury during his stint with the Irish province Ulster in April, which has now ruled him out of the highly anticipated Test series.
According to reports in the South African newspaper Rapport, the 30-year-old is dealing with chronic damage to the lateral compartment of his knee, which is believed to be the early stages of arthritis. The injury is said to be more severe than initially expected, resulting in Kitshoff’s unavailability for the Tests against the reigning Six Nations champions Ireland.
“The absence of Kitshoff, who has earned 83 Test caps for South Africa and played a crucial role in their 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph, is certainly a blow for the Boks as they prepare to face the Irish.”
However, the report suggests that the Springboks prop is expected to regain fitness in time for the Rugby Championship, though he may miss the opening fixtures against Australia. Kitshoff is anticipated to return to action against the formidable All Blacks at the end of August.
Erasmus will now need to look to other options, such as Ox Nche and Nthuthuko Mchunu, to fill the void left by the experienced loosehead prop. Despite the setback, the Springboks will be eager to bounce back and secure a series victory over Ireland, as they continue their journey towards the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France later this year.
đź”— Source
