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BBC Rugby Union News: Springboks Rocked by Injury Setbacks Ahead of Wales and Ireland Clashes
In a significant blow to their preparations, South African rugby union head coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that nine key players will be unavailable for the upcoming fixture against Wales and the first Test against Ireland.
Addressing the media, Erasmus named the notable absentees, which include seasoned internationals such as Steven Kitshoff, Lood de Jager, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse, and Kurt-Lee Arendse. The extensive injury list also features Jean Kleyn, Jean-Luc du Preez, Jaden Hendrikse, and Henco van Wyk.
“Steven Kitshoff will be out, Jean Kleyn will be out, Lood de Jager will be out, JL du Preez will be out, Jaden, Henco, who we had in camp, Canan, Damian and Kurt-Lee. Those will be the guys who are not available,” Erasmus stated as he outlined the Springboks’ casualty concerns.
The South African head coach further confirmed that the unavailable players will miss not only the clash with Wales at Twickenham on June 22 but also the first Test against Ireland.
Adding to Erasmus’ selection headache, the Bulls are still in contention for the United Rugby Championship title, with their semi-final scheduled on the same day as the Wales game. This means the availability of the Bulls’ Springboks players remains uncertain, depending on the outcome of that crucial match.
“In certain positions, yes, definitely,” Erasmus said when asked about the possibility of drafting in Bulls players if they were to lose the semi-final. “We’ve got a few injuries on the wings. Cheslin (Kolbe) is touch and go to be ready there but (Makazole) Mapimpi is fine. We might be thin there (in the back three) but we have got (Quan) Horn and (Aphelele) Fassi, but a guy like Willie le Roux might be someone who could just help settle down combinations.”
With a significant portion of the Springboks’ starting lineup unavailable, Erasmus and his coaching staff will be tasked with navigating these injury challenges and assembling a competitive squad to face the formidable Wales and Ireland teams in the upcoming fixtures.
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