Burly Wiese blasé about rapid return after neck surgery

VIDEO: It is difficult to fathom how a player could suffer a potential season-ending neck injury in April, and in early June, he sits down in a Springbok T-shirt ahead of the first Test of the season.

One has to ask oneself how tough Jasper Wiese is to be able to pull that off?

The 28-year-old had to cut short his time with the D-Rocks in Japan in early April after a serious neck injury forced him to return to South Africa to undergo surgery.

At the time, in a club comment, he said: “I just wanted to say that I had to come back to South Africa to get an operation on my neck.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play again this season, but please, your support means the world to us. I really appreciate it, and for the team, all the best for the season. Thank you.”

After missing the start of the Springboks’ international season last year due to suspension, he returned in fine form with a standout performance in the Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.

So imagine everyone’s surprise when Wiese walked into a media briefing on Wednesday, brandishing a small mark on his neck but with a broad smile on his face.

Rugby365 asked him how it was possible to come back from a serious neck injury, ready to take on Italy at Loftus Versfeld this weekend.

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“Ag no, it wasn’t that serious. It was just two discs in my neck that had to be replaced. It was three months of recovery.

“It wasn’t like it was one of those year-long problems,” the No. 8 explained as a matter of fact.

Bearing in mind that this player is often the enforcer for the Springboks, smashing into opponents with reckless abandon.

It might be that one of his motivators to get back on the field was having his brother, Cobus, with him in the Springbok squad for the first time.

The two brothers have never played a Test together, and since joining the Bulls from Sale Sharks, Cobus, the younger of the two by a year, has always expressed his desire to play with Jasper in a Springbok jersey.

Cobus is likely to get his opportunity next weekend in the second Test against Italy.

“I am just excited to be with the Boks. It is always a massive privilege for me to be in camp with everybody,” Jasper stated.

“We have never had the opportunity to play in the same team, and what better opportunity than to represent your country together, so I really hope he gets a run.

“I’m very happy for him because he has dreamed of playing for South Africa, and I hope he uses his opportunity.

“I try and watch as many of his games as I can,” the No. 8 said.

“Cobus has had a very good season. It is not that he did not play well overseas (at Sale Sharks), but I think the move back to South Africa did wonders for him.

“It is great to see him thrive in the Bulls environment with a lot of guys that are here now at the Boks. I hope he can flourish at the Boks too.”