Springbok lock RG Snyman went for a skin graft operation after a pit-fire accident in Ireland and could miss the series against the British and Irish Lions.
Snyman and Munster teammate Damian de Allende both suffered burn wounds in the accident in Ireland last month.
The duo joined the Bok camp late because of the accident, with an assessment in South Africa revealing that Snyman had to undergo a skin graft on his knee.
Coach Deon Davids explains: “RG [Snyman is currently out of the squad, he’s not with us.
“He went for a skin graft operation. Obviously he will start the process of rehabilitation and as he recovers and we get a medical update, and will return to the squad. At this stage, there is a small chance that he will be part of the Lions Test series.”
To make matters worse, fellow No.4 Eben Etzebeth suffered a rib injury in the Boks’ 40-9 win over Georgia on Friday and will be assessed this week ahead of the second Test at the weekend.
Davids says of Etzebeth: “He’s got a rib injury – he was fine [on Sunday morning], but the medical staff will continue to assess him.
“The head coach will make a decision in terms of availability this weekend, maybe in a day or two the final call will be on him.”
With the Boks thin at No.4, lock-turned-flank Pieter-Steph du Toit says he will help out in the second row if needed.
Du Toit says: “Of course I will move and try and play there again. It’s where I started my career. It’s only scrumming that will change a bit. I’ll play where they need me.”
dudley.carstens@inl.co.za