Springboks: Injury update ahead of title-deciding All Blacks Tests: Planet Rugby

The Springboks will have to do without Faf de Klerk and other rugby world champions for the two home tests against New Zealand in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

According to the rapportDe Klerk is suffering from a hamstring injury that could keep him out of action for the rest of the year, while tireless second-row Franco Mostert is also likely to miss the All Blacks' Tests as he recovers from a broken fibula sustained against Ireland.

Let's stay with the second row: The same report confirmed that Lood de Jager will be out until the turn of the year due to a shoulder injury, while Jean Kleyn (minor eye surgery) could be back in September.

Stormers star Evan Roos will also have to sit out for a long time after shoulder surgery. He will be out for four to six months.

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Promising development

Another Cape Town superstar, Damian Willemse, is close to returning after starting training with the Stormers following his finger surgery a few months ago. The full-back could be ready for a full return in four to six weeks.

Test rookie Edwill van der Merwe is still out due to an ankle injury. rapport suggests that he will not start running for another six weeks.

It is not all doom and gloom, as highly-rated, uncapped No.8 Cameron Hanekom has recently returned to full training with the Bulls, and Canan Moodie has already made his comeback from injury for the Pretoria side in the Currie Cup.

Back from the villain corner

Also back, this time after a suspension, is the duo Andre Esterhuizen and Jasper Wiese, who will be a welcome reinforcement for Rassie Erasmus.

The rapport has also clarified the situation with the Tshituka brothers Vincent and Emmanuel after it was reported that the pair are now eligible to play for the Springboks. This is said to be unconfirmed as the Congolese brothers have been granted South African citizenship, but only once they receive their passports will they be able to represent the country.

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