As Rassie Erasmus and the coaching staff accelerate preparations, the focus is firmly on the recovery timelines of several key stars following a string of surgeries and long-term setbacks.
The “Race Against Time” List
These players are currently in rehabilitation, with their availability for the June/July window hanging in the balance:
- Frans Malherbe (Prop): After fears that back and neck issues might force an early retirement, the “Big Tank” is back in the national setup. His inclusion in the March alignment camp is a massive boost, though his match-fitness for the season opener remains a “wait-and-see” situation.
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (Loose Forward): The tireless flanker is recovering from shoulder surgery. While Rassie Erasmus is cautiously optimistic, the coaching staff may choose to preserve him for the high-intensity Rugby Championship matches later in the year.
- Aphelele Fassi (Fullback): Following shoulder surgery in February, “The Weekend Special” has a three-month recovery window. A flawless rehab could see him back by late June, but he remains a major doubt for the opening fixtures.
The Long-Term Absentees
- Lood de Jager (Lock): In a frustrating blow, the veteran lock is recovering from hip surgery. He is expected to be sidelined for at least another four months, likely missing the bulk of the early international season.
The “Green Light” Returns
- Faf de Klerk (Scrumhalf): After ankle surgery cut his Japanese season short, the veteran is officially back in action. The challenge now isn’t his health, but reclaiming his spot in a highly competitive scrumhalf pecking order.
- Cameron Hanekom (Loose Forward): In fantastic news for the Bulls and the Boks, Hanekom is back on the bench this week after nine months out (hamstring/knee). He now has a vital window to prove his form before June.
