Springboks Lose Jean Kleyn to Injury Ahead of Upcoming Matches

The Springboks have been dealt a setback ahead of their July Test fixtures. This occurred after powerhouse lock Jean Kleyn was ruled out due to injury. The towering second-rower sustained the knock during South Africa’s dominant 54-7 win over the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium over the weekend.

Kleyn had started the match alongside seasoned lock partner Lood de Jager. However, an injury forced him off the field. Subsequent medical assessments have confirmed that he will not take further part in the upcoming international series.

Jean Kleyn Heads Back to Club for Recovery

The injury means Kleyn will return to his club, Munster, in Ireland where he will undergo a recovery programme. His rehabilitation process will be under the guidance of the province’s medical team. His absence marks a significant loss, particularly given the physicality and experience he brings to the Bok engine room.

The lock played a key role in South Africa’s Rugby World Cup-winning campaign last year. He was expected to feature prominently in the team’s preparations for the upcoming Tests. His injury now opens the door for others in the squad to step up.

Rassies Erasmus Confident in Lock Options

Despite the blow, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus remains calm and assured. He cites the squad’s impressive depth in the second-row department. “We are fortunate to have several quality locks in the group,” Erasmus said. “There’s no need to bring in a replacement at this stage.”

Indeed, the Springboks’ pool of locks includes the likes of RG Snyman, Marvin Orie, and Salmaan Moerat. They are all capable of slotting into the position. This maintains the team’s trademark dominance at the set-piece and breakdowns.

Crucial Tests on the Horizon

Kleyn’s absence comes at a critical juncture in the Boks’ season. They prepare for two key home fixtures. First up, South Africa will face Italy at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria this Saturday — a clash that promises to be an intense battle up front. It will be the first of two matches in the mid-year Test window.

A week later, the world champions will head to Mpumalanga for a one-off Test against Georgia at the Mbombela Stadium on 19 July. Both matches will serve as vital preparation for the Rugby Championship and beyond. They give Erasmus and his coaching staff an opportunity to test combinations and blood new talent in the absence of key players like Kleyn.

Depth Will Be Put to the Test

While Kleyn’s injury is undoubtedly a blow, it also presents a timely test of the Springboks’ depth. Erasmus has often highlighted the importance of squad rotation and readiness across all positions, especially in a busy international season. This is the kind of scenario where that philosophy will be tested.

With the spotlight now shifting to the remaining second-rowers, the upcoming fixtures offer a valuable platform for emerging stars to impress on the international stage. It also underscores the importance of player welfare and squad management as the Boks look to build momentum in their 2025 campaign.