Big update on injured Boks
SPOTLIGHT: Munster have confirmed that Damian de Allende and Rudolph Snyman have been cleared to travel back to South Africa.
According to a statement from the Irish province, the duo “will continue their respective recoveries under the care of the Springboks medical team”.
The duo sustained burns in a ‘fire pit accident’ earlier this month in Ireland. However, Munster revealed that both players had good reviews with a specialist this week.
They are both set to travel back to South Africa this week.
Meanwhile, whether he is on the field or off it, Springbok talisman Duane Vermeulen will have a vital role to play during the British and Irish Lions series.
That was the message from Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids when he was asked for an update on the No.8 and other injured Boks during an online media briefing on Wednesday.
Vermeulen is currently busy with his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on his injured ankle and he is set to join the Bok squad in the next few weeks.
Sale’s Lodewyk de Jager is still recovering after he fractured his tibia and suffered a torn meniscus in a freak training accident in April.
Snyman is also in the final stages of his rehabilitation after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last August.
“We know that they are busy with their rehabilitation and there are ongoing discussions with the medical staff,” said Davids.
He added: “He [Duane Vermeulen] is also busy with his rehabilitation. He is also in contact in terms of how his progress is going.
“We expect him to join our group in the next couple of weeks and we are looking forward to having him part of our squad, whether his contribution will be off the field or on it.
“We would like to have that experience with our preparation going forward.”
No.8 options
Ahead of that series against the B&I Lions, the Boks will face Georgia in two Tests and there will be a spotlight on who the Boks will select for the No.8 position.
“At this stage, we have an open mind in terms of our approach,” Davids explained.
“I think we got a couple of options available. In our training sessions, we have shifted players around and tested different combinations.
“We’ve got Kwagga [ Albertus Smith] and there is also a new guy like Jasper Wiese that will come in. Dan du Preez has played Tests for South Africa.
“He [Du Preez] had a great game [Sale’s Premiership semifinal against Exeter] last week, so we will do a thorough assessment in terms of our available loose forwards.
“Hopefully, we will have a very clear understanding on Sunday and Monday in terms of what we want to do for the next two games.”
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