As the Springboks gear up for a busy 2024, the team has five more matches on the calendar.
They’ll face Argentina twice in quick succession, followed by three challenging fixtures on their end-of-year tour.
While fans are excited for these clashes, one player will unfortunately be sitting out due to injury.
Kitshoff’s Struggles with Injuries
Steven Kitshoff, the powerhouse prop, has had a rough year.
After a successful stint with Ulster, he returned to the Stormers to recover from a previous injury.
Sadly, during the final round of the Currie Cup against Griquas in Kimberley, Kitshoff suffered another blow, injuring ligaments high up in his neck.
“He’s done some ligaments quite high up in his neck. In six weeks is the reassessment date,” explained Stormers coach John Dobson.
It’s a serious injury, and the team is playing it safe.
Neck ligament issues can be dangerous, so the plan is to reassess Kitshoff in six weeks to see if he can start training again.
But as of now, there’s no guarantee he’ll be back in time for the Springboks’ November tour, where they’ll be facing Scotland, England, and Wales.
The Impact on the Stormers and Springboks
This injury also means that Kitshoff will likely miss the start of the season for the Stormers.
With his recovery timeline uncertain, it’s a big question whether he’ll have the time to prove his fitness for the Springboks’ upcoming tour.
In Kitshoff’s absence, other players have had to step up, especially in the loosehead prop position.
Ox Nche has been a standout, taking on a more prominent role, while Gerhard Steenekamp has provided solid backup. Both will be key as the Springboks continue their preparations.
Building Depth at Loosehead Prop
With Kitshoff out, the Springbok coaching team is focusing on expanding their depth in key positions.
Ox Nche has already solidified his place as a first-choice loosehead prop, and Gerhard Steenekamp’s performances have caught the eye as well.
This increased competition is a positive for the team, especially with tough international matches on the horizon.
Upcoming Matches and the Latest Squad
The Springboks will be assembling in Stellenbosch soon to prepare for their next encounter against Argentina.
The squad is filled with talented players across all positions, and the coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on how everyone performs leading up to the end-of-year tour.
Latest Springbok Squad:
- Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch, Ox Nche (both Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).
- Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears).
- Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls).
- Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
- Utility forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls).
- Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
- Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
- Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
- Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi (both Sharks).
- Utility back: Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).
What’s Next for Kitshoff?
For now, Kitshoff’s priority is rest and rehabilitation.
While fans and teammates alike hope to see him back on the field soon, his recovery must take precedence.
The Springboks, meanwhile, will continue their preparations for the upcoming tests, knowing that depth and versatility will be key as they push through the final matches of the year.
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