VIDEO: Bleak update on Bok after fire pit explosion
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It is certainly not the news the Springboks camp want to hear regarding their second row options.
RG Snyman and Eben Etzebeth, who were both prominent figures during South Africa’s World Cup campaign, have handed the Springboks a mini second row crisis ahead of the British and Irish Lions series starting on July 24.
Veteran lock Etzebeth suffered a rib injury during South Africa’s 40-9 win over Georgia on Friday.
The World Cup-winning second-row forward was a prominent figure in the first half, however, he had to leave the field with Marvin Orie taking his place in the second half.
In the case of Etzebeth’s second row partner Snyman, the lock might be sidelined for the British and Irish Lions series after he underwent a skin graft operation following a fire pit incident in Ireland.
The bizarre fire pit incident, involving Damian De Allende and two fellow Munster teammates – which occurred last month – left the Springboks pair with substantial burns to legs, hands and face.
The Bok duo have been consulting with a local specialist since returning to South Africa.
Consequently, the specialist recommended that Snyman undergo a skin transplant operation as the burns on his knee are more severe than initially believed.
The lock is also recovering from a long-term knee injury.
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When asked about Snyman’s latest setback, Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids confirmed that the World Cup winner had another medical operation.
“RG Snyman is currently out of the squad, he is not with us,” Davids told reporters.
“He went for a skin graft operation.
“Obviously, he will start his process of rehabilitation and as he recovers and we get medical updates, he will return to the squad,”
David also conceded there is a “small chance” that Snyman would be involved in the Lions series.
“At this stage, I think there will be a small chance that he will be part of the British & Irish Lions Test series.
“But he will definitely return for the remaining Test fixtures in the Rugby Championship and end-of-year tour.”
Commenting on Etzebeth’s injury, Davids said: “Eben got a rib injury on Friday. He was assessed and was quite fine this morning,” Davids said.
“The medical team is still assessing him. The head coach will then make a decision on his availability for this weekend. Maybe in a day or two, we will have a final call on him.”
However, not all is doom and gloom as Lodewyk de Jager has reportedly been training.
According to Netwerk24, De Jager is set to return for the South African A side against British and Irish Lions on July 14.
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