Springbok injury crisis? Forget about it!
As the Springboks head towards the 2025 season, the news of long-term injuries to Jasper Wiese and Elrigh Louw would have certainly raised some concerns around the No 8 position.
However, the Springbok coaches may also view it as an opportunity to expand their depth at the back of the scrum, and it may well lead to an extended run for someone like up-and-coming youngster Cameron Hanekom.
Hanekom earned his first Test cap at the end of last year, and has continued to impress for the Bulls with regularity, while another talented youngster Ruan Venter – who also debuted for the Springboks last year – could also come into the mix.
And besides other options such as asking veterans Kwagga Smith or Siya Kolisi to do a job at No 8, there is suddenly a serious resurgence in form from Stormers star Evan Roos.
After bursting onto the scene a couple of years ago with standout performances, there has more recently been some concerns that perhaps Roos was never going to reach his full potential,
A serious injury last year also didn't help his cause, but the 25-year-old has been back to his best in recent weeks, and suddenly the Springboks should feel increasingly confident of handing him some more Test caps.
'I was gone long enough that I think people forgot about me, so they're not marking me like they used to!' the Stormers No 8 said this week. 'But it's been a smooth run back with no complications. I think the six months off (due to injury) did me good. I really came back motivated, rejuvenated and energised to play again.
'One of the reasons why I'm doing better than usual is because I'm really enjoying being in the moment, staying in the present, and trying to do my best for the Stormers. I'm not too worried about things in the future. I just control what I can control. The rest is not in my hands, it's in someone else's hands.
'Bottom line, I'm just really enjoying playing rugby again. I was gone for half a year and it does put things into perspective. I'm really blessed to be back.'
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