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.
Reinach has suffered a dislocated shoulder while playing for Montpellier against Harlequins in the European Challenge Cup two weeks ago.
Montpellier confirmed the 32-year-old will undergo surgery in South Africa on Wednesday, which will keep him out of action for between three and four months.
“Cobus will undergo an operation on his shoulder on Wednesday in South Africa,” said Montpellier head coach Philippe Saint-Andre.
“His season is over.”
The 12-time-capped Reinach has been a key player this season, scoring seven tries in 14 league matches, and last month extended his contract with Montpellier for two years to 2025.
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 told Rapport. “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
Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
