Erasmus: Boks will be close to full strength for England showdown

NEWS: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has moved swiftly to calm fears over South Africa’s growing injury list, insisting the World Champions will be close to full strength by the time they face England at Ellis Park on July 4.

Despite concerns surrounding several high-profile names, Erasmus revealed that key figures including Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are all on track for selection, with the Bok mentor stressing that the injury situation is “not as serious” as many believe ahead of a demanding 14-match season.

The Springboks are counting down to the start of a grueling 14-match campaign that stretches from next week’s Barbarians showdown in Gqeberha to their final Test of the year against Ireland in Dublin in November.

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Marx suffered a bicep injury while representing Kubota Spears in a Japan Rugby League One semifinal a fortnight ago.

During training at Johannesburg Stadium on Thursday morning, Marx was nowhere to be seen while Etzebeth was on the field but did not take part in any training while utility back Damian Willemse also sat out.

Far from alarmed by the number of injured players, Erasmus believes the Springboks are well placed ahead of the international season, with several key stars nearing a return.

“Much has been said about our injury issues, but the truth is that it is not that serious.

“I don’t want people to look at the list and think we’re in trouble, because that’s not the case,” he said.

“We’ve actually got a lot of players available and the challenge at the moment is figuring out how to give everyone game time.

“Only two or three guys will not be available this year because of injury, and a lot of guys will be making their comebacks in the next few weeks. By the time we play England, we will be close to full strength.”

“Eben will be ready, Malcolm is also ready,” Erasmus confirmed.

“If you look at the really long-term injuries, the guys who will only be ready next year, it’s probably only RG [Snyman] and Kwagga [Smith].

“Those are the players who would regularly feature in our match 23. The other injuries are mostly players still finding their feet in the system or guys who haven’t consistently been part of the match-day squad.”

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Erasmus also provided positive updates on a number of key players working their way back from injury.

Scrumhalf Grant Williams has fully recovered, while fellow No.9 Morne van den Berg is progressing well after undergoing bicep surgery.

“Krappie could possibly be available by the time we play New Zealand, or even for the Scotland and Wales Tests,” Erasmus said.

The Bok coach revealed that Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Ethan Hooker are recovering well, with both players edging closer to a return to action.

“Sacha should be ready about four weeks before the New Zealand matches, and Ethan is on a similar timeline,” said Erasmus.

Cobus Reinach is also closing in on a return, although Erasmus admitted the England Test may come too soon.

“He could be ready for England, but it would be a push. We desperately want to beat England, but it would be foolish to take that risk.”

The Bok coach added that injuries to Lions utility forward Ruan Venter and veteran Deon Fourie were unfortunate, but unlikely to have a major impact on selection plans.

He also confirmed that Jean-Luc du Preez is out long-term as are Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, but they should be back in the mix sometime this year while Juarno Augustus is not ready yet.