The Springboks can’t seem to catch a break and the 2024 test season hasn’t even began yet.
Willie Le Roux is the Springboks and Bulls injury concern. He joins the list of 10 players unavailable for the first match against Ireland. Meanwhile, 20+ Springboks have been ruled out.
Furthermore, Jake White has stated that Le Roux was substituted for more than just an HIA. In fact, he is experiencing pain in his neck. Here is the latest on the veteran Springboks fullback.
SPRINGBOKS AND BULLS CONCERN AS WILLIE LEAVES THE FIELD
Initially, it appeared that Le Roux was just undergoing a standard HIA assessment. However, Bulls head coach, White has confirmed that he also took a dump to his neck.
“It’s not just an HIA; he got whacked on his neck as well, so he’ll have to get his neck looked at from an injury point of view,” he stated on The Citizen.
Meaning, Rassie Erasmus, The Springboks, The Bulls and White are waiting closely on the outcome of his assessment. Especially, given the fact that Damian Willemse has been ruled out of the Ireland series. Meanwhile, the Bulls play host the Glasgow Warriors in the URC final on Saturday, 22 June.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to put someone in his place if he’s not available. You don’t want to play games with HIA; you don’t want to push guys into that situation,” White added.
“Who knows maybe tomorrow it’s the neck that’s more sore, and the HIA protocols he’ll be fine but I’m not banking on that,” he continued when speaking to the media.
JAKE WHITE HAS THE DEPTH NEEDED
Unfortunately, Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse will miss the final. Additionally, they have been ruled out of the start of the test season and the first Ireland match. However, Sergeal Peterson was excellent against Leinster.
He showed the quality of depth in SA Rugby. Scoring a brace and making a few key tackles in the absence of Arendse. Meanwhile, Devon Williams was solid on the other wing and he could be shifted to fullback if Le Roux is unavailable.