The scrumhalf news Rassie did not want to hear
INJURY UPDATE: The Springboks were dealt a devastating blow following the confirmation of two players possibly sidelined for the 2026 Test season.
Springbok and Lions duo Morne van den Berg and Ruan Venter look set to miss the 2026 Test season following injuries suffered in their Round 18 United Rugby Championship clash against Munster.
Speaking to reporters via online media briefing, Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen revealed the estimated timeline the pair could be sidelined.
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“Both Krappie [Morne van den Berg] and Ruan [Venter] were operated on Wednesday,” Van Rooyen confirmed.
“Their [respective] operations went well. Unfortunately, both of them are out for quite a bit.
“Krappie might be out for four to six months, which is a big blow.
“Ruan will be out approximately between six and nine months.”
The news is not just devastating for the Lions, who enter their maiden URC quarterfinal berth against Leinster, but also for Rassie Erasmus and the Boks.
The Boks’ lock roster is already a bit thin, and Venter, who can play as a loose forward and in the second row, would’ve been the ideal backup player.
The 28-year-old Van den Berg was a key cog in the Bok system last season, with many believing him being groomed as Faf de Klerk’s long-term successor.
Van den Berg will, in all likelihood, miss the Greatest Rivalry Tour against the All Blacks and the Boks’ home leg of the Nations Championship.
Should he be out for four months, he could still make the second leg of the Nations Championship in November.
However, if the projected six months is his reality, he will miss the entire Test season.
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On the positive front, Van Rooyen confirmed that a few of the Lions’ stalwarts might be available for their knockout clash against Leinster.
“Both Francke [Horn] and Henco van Wyk did a slight running session yesterday [Thursday] to see where they are, and both players passed their sessions.
“They’ll gradually start to improve, and at this stage it looks like they’ll be ready for next weekend.
“Richard [Kriel] is fine after his concussion, but otherwise, there are no other major injury concerns apart from that.”
