Staff Reporter.
The Springboks will be without a trio of key players, including scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, when they take on Wales in a three-Test series on home soil in July.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Reinach has suffered a dislocated shoulder while playing for Montpellier against Harlequins in the European Challenge Cup two weeks ago and is set to undergo surgery on Wednesday, which will keep him out of action for between three and four months.
Joining Reinach on the sidelines is wing Sbu Nkosi (broken ankle) and lock RG Snyman (knee), neither of whom are expected to be ready to face Wales in time for the three Tests in Pretoria (2 July), Bloemfontein (9 July) and Cape Town (16 July).
“I could not immediately feel that [the shoulder] was out, because the adrenaline was running so high and I was able to finish the first half well,” Reinach said. “Unfortunately, it is part of the game. There’s never a good time to get injured, but I’m thankful it happened sooner, rather than later.
“However, I am not worried about my level of play when I return after the injury.”
Good news for the Boks is that star wing Cheslin Kolbe is expected to recover from his damaged thumb in time to take on Wales. Kolbe went under the knife last week after breaking his thumb in a European match against Benetton.
Bad timing, but this is rugby life.
Road to recovery and focused on the finish ??
Thank you for all the wishes of support. pic.twitter.com/CjW43eUcHe— Cheslin Kolbe (@CheslinKolbe) April 22, 2022
Springboks will host Wales in a three-Test series between 9 and 23 July 2022.
During the July series, the Boks will be given an opportunity to expand their squad depth as the South Africa A team is scheduled for midweek fixtures against an opponent still to be determined.
The fourth match against Wales will come as the final fixture of the Springboks’ overseas tour in November, when they will also play Ireland, 2023 World Cup hosts France and Italy.