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Rassie Erasmus receives a crucial boost as Lood de Jager returns to full fitness ahead of the Springboks' international season. This comeback is vital as South Africa faces a locking crisis with key players sidelined before matches against the Barbarians, England, Scotland, and Wales.
Eben Etzebeth, the most capped Springbok, is out due to a hip injury, and Jean Kleyn won't return until mid-July. Salmaan Moerat is back after injury but Ruan Venter's knee injury has thwarted plans to utilize him at lock, joining Kleyn and RG Snyman on the injured list.
Despite these setbacks, Erasmus finds hope with De Jager starting for the Saitama Wild Knights against Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan. If he remains injury-free, De Jager is likely to be included in the Springboks' squad.
Additionally, Pieter-Steph du Toit, recovering from a shoulder injury, is expected to play in July internationals, potentially filling a second-row role. His experience and familiarity with the team’s strategies make him a prime candidate, despite competition from uncapped players JJ van der Mescht and Batho Hlekani, who face challenges adapting to the team’s structures. The Springboks' depth is tested but resilient as they gear up for a demanding season ahead.
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