Bok lock can add more value now than before

SPOTLIGHT: Rudolph Snyman has developed into an experienced lock in his time with Munster and is back in the Springbok squad together with his teammate and friend Jean Kleyn.

According to South Africa’s Director of Rugby, Johan Erasmus, Snyman is now a well-rounded lock that can cover at No.4 and No.5.  Since his last outing for the Springboks in 2019 he has since gotten experience at line-out calls as well.

“With RG [Snyman] getting the role there at Munster also calling five in the line-out, calling the line-outs, which he didn’t do before when he was with us, he got that experience of playing No.4 and No.5 lock,” Erasmus said.

Snyman made his last appearance in the green and gold against England in the Rugby World Cup final in Tokyo on 2 November 2019, so it wasn’t surprising to see him walking around with a massive smile as he returned to the Springbok camp after an absence of nearly four years.

This week he talked about having his friend Kleyn with him in the Bok squad and being back in the fold with his fellow Springboks.

“Just having Jean here is also special because he had a great season and I think he started every game for Munster. Just the way he plays the game, I think speaks for itself. It is great to have him here,” Snyman said.

The towering lock struggled with injuries which kept him out of the national side, but he told media this week that he was driven to get himself back on the field.

“It was tough not playing for the Springboks. But it was also the thing that drove me to get back on the field and get myself to a place where I can be back here.

“It is an absolute privilege to be with the Boks and it is something you only realise when you are not here. One mustn’t take it lightly.”

Erasmus added that lock is one position where players get injured a lot.

“Just the way we play and how physical we are. Jean was one of the standout players of the group we tracked. Our locks suddenly look very good.”