Ruan Venter’s knee injury has scuppered Rassie Erasmus’ plans to use him at No 4 lock for the Springboks.
According to Rapport, the Bok coach had earmarked the Lions utility forward for a role in the Nations Championship matches against England, Scotland and Wales in July.
The 23-year-old flank had increasingly featured in the Lions’ second row this season as part of a long-term plan between the Joburg-based club and national team to assess his suitability as an enforcer in the Bok engine room.
However, those plans were derailed when Venter suffered a season-ending knee injury against Leinster. He has since undergone surgery and confirmed on social media that the operation was successful, but he is not expected to play again this year.
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Venter’s absence leaves Erasmus with a headache at lock, particularly with concerns over the fitness of veteran pair Eben Etzebeth (hip) and Jean Kleyn (arm).
Should Etzebeth fail to recover in time for the 4 July Test against England at Ellis Park, Erasmus could turn to two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit as an emergency option at No 4 lock.
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In a boost for the Boks, Lood de Jager has recovered from hip surgery and is expected to be available for selection, while Erasmus can also call on experienced campaigners such as Franco Mostert and Ruan Nortjé to stand in should Etzebeth and Kleyn not be fit.
Photo: @ruan__venter/Instagram
The post Rassie had big plans for Ruan appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ruan Venter’s knee injury has scuppered Rassie Erasmus’ plans to use him at No 4 lock for the Springboks.
The post Rassie had big plans for Ruan appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
