Springboks news: Rassie Erasmus provides positive injury update as first camp concludes

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has expressed his satisfaction with the progress made during the team's opening training camp, while also delivering encouraging injury updates on several key players ahead of the international season.

The Springboks wrapped up their first camp of the year this week as preparations continue for the season-opening fixtures against the Barbarians and SA 'A' clash against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha.

According to Erasmus, the squad achieved most of its objectives during the opening phase of preparations.

Erasmus pleased with camp progress

"It was great to be back in camp this week and for the coaches to work with the players first-hand on and off the field," Erasmus said.

"It was also good to see the enthusiasm and willingness of the players to learn from the coaches, and for both the experienced and young players to get back into the swing of things with the season around the corner."

The Springboks included several younger players in camp as Erasmus continues to build depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

He credited Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and SA Rugby High-Performance Department general manager Dave Wessels for their role in developing emerging talent.

"Kevin Foote and Dave Wessels have done a fine job in developing the young players and we are grateful for their co-operation and constant communication for us to work together to have these players in camp," Erasmus said.

"I have no doubt the guys have already and will continue to learn a lot in our set-up, and we believe this exposure will benefit them as they continue to grow as players."

Good news on Etzebeth and Marx

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Erasmus' briefing was the positive update regarding several established Springboks.

“Eben will be ready, Malcolm is also ready," Erasmus confirmed.

The availability of Eben Etzebeth and Malcolm Marx will come as a major boost to the Springboks, given their importance to the pack and leadership group.

Erasmus added that only a handful of long-term injuries are expected to impact the squad's immediate plans.

"If you look at the really long-term injuries, the guys who will only be ready next year, it's probably only RG and Kwagga."

Sacha targeting New Zealand series

The Springboks coach also provided updates on a number of players currently recovering from injury.

“Sacha should be ready about four weeks before the New Zealand matches. Ethan is on a similar timeline."

The update suggests Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains on course to return ahead of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series later this season after suffering a high-ankle injury during the Vodacom URC playoffs.

Erasmus also indicated scrumhalf Morne van den Berg could return during the incoming Test window.

"Krappies (Van den Berg) will possibly be available by the time we play New Zealand, or even Scotland and Wales."

Meanwhile, Cobus Reinach remains a possibility later in the season.

"Cobus Reinach could be ready for England, but it will be a push. If he hears me say this he will get upset, but he will probably only join the squad after the three incoming matches."

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Focus shifts to match preparation

While the opening camp focused largely on systems and alignment, Erasmus indicated preparations will soon become more match-specific.

"We will go into more detail next week, but we ticked most of the boxes we had hoped to over the last few days, and we are looking forward to getting into match mode from next week."

The Springboks now enter the next phase of preparations with a clearer picture of player availability and a growing sense of optimism surrounding several returning stars.

With the Barbarians fixture fast approaching, attention will soon shift from training-ground foundations to performances on the field.

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