Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ choices got even tougher with the news that two of the Fidelity Securedrive Lions players have been ruled out until the end of the year and the Boks could be heading towards a halfback crisis ahead of the international season.
The news that Morne van den Berg has been ruled out for four to six months with a bicep injury is a massive blow, not only for the Lions, but especially with the Springboks.
With Cobus Reinach on the injured list, and Jaden Hendrikse also out and being stood down because of concussions, Van den Berg had an ideal opportunity to claim a regular starting spot in the Bok side this season, and has been in exceptional form for the Lions.
But when the news first surfaced, it was understandably first a blow for the Lions as they face Leinster next weekend in a big Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash and Van den Berg is key for their hopes.
In a wider context, though, the loss for the Springboks is just as devastating as Van den Berg was working his way into challenging for a starting role.
With there being no clear idea when Grant Williams will return to playing, and Jaden Hendrikse being stood down now for repeated concussions, add the knee injury to Cobus Reinach (which may or may not mean he is ready in July when the tests come), Erasmus may now need to look further afield.
INJURY UPDATE
There is every indication that a player like Embrose Papier, who has been simply sensational in the URC, may get his spot, and former Junior World Player of the year Haashim Pead may also get a call-up.
In fact, the return to form for double World Cup-winning halfback Faf de Klerk in Japan may see him return to the Bok squad after all.
Either way, Van den Berg’s injury is a blow, confirmed by coach Ivan van Rooyen in a team call from Dublin on Friday.
Van Rooyen confirmed that “Krappies”, as Van den Berg is known, will be out for four to six months. He added that Ruan Venter, the Bok flanker, was also ruled out for the rest of the current season.
“Both Krappies and Ruan were operated on yesterday. What's it today? Friday, Wednesday. Operations went well. Unfortunately, both of them out for quite a bit. Then Francke and Henco van Wyk did a slight running session yesterday to see where they are and get back.
“I think they passed that session yesterday, so they'll gradually keep on improving. At this stage, it looks like they might be ready for next weekend. We hope for that. Richard is fine after his head knock.”
Francke is, of course, the Lions’ captain Francke Horn, who has a hamstring strain, while Van Wyk has an ankle issue. Richard is Richard Kriel, who failed an HIA against Munster and is set to return next week.
Venter’s injury is a loss for the Lions but opens the door for SA under-20 star Batho Hlekani to make a bid for the Bok squad. Hlekani, along with Pead and Cheswill Jooste were the three SA under-20 stars invited to train with the Boks last year.
Van Rooyen said the loss of Van den Berg and Venter were massive for the team, but they will place their faith in the next player in line to step up.
“For sure, He's one of our senior guys. Guys who make a big difference in how we want to play. He is part of the decision-making, part of the way we give our momentum. Without him to give momentum, we are likely to attack a little differently. So it's a big setback.
“Same with Ruan, he is quieter, but is respected. He has a knee injury, a bad one, and is something like six to nine months out.”
The Lions have to find an immediate replacement that can elevate their play in Dublin, and the Springboks will have to make new plans as well. But in every injury is an opportunity, and it will be interesting to see what develops.