Springbok Canan Moodie
Canan Moodie of South Africa tackled by Reece Hodge of Australia during the 2023 Rugby Championship between South Africa and Australia at Loftus Stadium, Pretoria on 08 July 2023 Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Home » Springboks injury update: Star pairing hobbled in training

Springboks injury update: Star pairing hobbled in training

A pair of injuries have forced Jacques Nienaber to make some adjustments as the Springboks prepare to face Scotland at the World Cup.

08-09-23 10:14
Springbok Canan Moodie
Canan Moodie of South Africa tackled by Reece Hodge of Australia during the 2023 Rugby Championship between South Africa and Australia at Loftus Stadium, Pretoria on 08 July 2023 Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has given a clean bill of health to 31 members of the Rugby World Cup squad.

Ahead of the first match of the tournament, Nienaber revealed two injury concerns.

SPRINGBOKS SUFFER INJURIES TO STAR MEN

The first of those comes in the form of Canan Moodie who is understood to have picked up a hanstring strain in training this week.

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Next there is a knee injury for the impressive Jean Kleyn who has been a standout in the second row for the Springboks.

jean kleyn springboks
Springbok lock Jean Kleyn Photo: SA Rugby website

That said Nienaber was confident that the remaining players will be able to cover for the absentees.

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 “We are pleased with the squad depth we have built in the last few months, and we believe this group of players strikes the right balance to achieve the result we need against Scotland,” said Bok coach Jacques Nienaber.

“We are very excited about this occasion. We’ve been building for this World Cup for the last four years and we are thrilled to get our campaign started.

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“We’ve been working hard in the last few weeks to make sure we are as prepared as possible going into this match and we are fully aware of the challenge that awaits us.”

SCOTLAND LIE IN WAIT

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South Africa will not be looking beyond their Rugby World Cup opener against Scotland.

“Scotland are a quality team with a strong pack and skilful backs, and they play with a lot of intensity, so we need to be sharp on attack and defence on Sunday,” admitted Nienaber.

“They have proved in the last few seasons that they can beat any team, and with this being the opening game of the World Cup for both sides, they will be equally as charged up as us for the match.”

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