South Africa’s injury crisis worsens as Cheslin Kolbe hobbles off during Champions Cup clash
South Africa’s long list of high profile injuries took another blow this afternoon as Cheslin Kolbe left the field clearly in pain during his side’s defeat to Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup.
The elusive Springbok star had impressed in the semi-final clash with his tremendous footwork proving pivotal in one of Toulouse’s first-half tries.
In last week’s match against Ulster we saw as Kolbe went down to receive some treatment as his ankle was clearly causing him pain. It was strapped up and he went on to give a tremendous solo display.
Cheslin Kolbe showed his class in the build-up to this try for Toulouse
C’est magnifique! 😍
Just look at this build up, a beautiful try! ✨
Toulouse at their very best 👏#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/1drxaS2UXb
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 26, 2020
It appears, however, that his ankle had not fully recovered as we saw him having to be helped off the field in the 66th minute of play in England today.
Watch as Cheslin Kolbe leaves the field injured in today’s match at Exeter Chiefs
Kolbe has been snapping ankles over the last few weeks but now it’s his ankle that lets him down… ironic pic.twitter.com/27PHh3yndM
— Edward Barker (@EdwardB24376757) September 26, 2020
This is the latest in a long list of injured South Africans who featured heavily in the Springboks 2019 World Cup win. Here are some of the stars on that list.
RG Snyman 6-9 months out
The star signing for Munster tore his ACL in his knee just minutes into his debut match for the men from Limerick. Snyman was one of the key young players for South Africa in the World Cup and this injury will be a bitter blow for the team.
Eben Etzebeth 3-6 weeks out
Eben Etzebeth wasn’t long back in the Top 14 for Toulon when he came off with what looked to be a painful rib injury. He came off after just 12 minutes when he came on as a substitute against La Rochelle. Springbok injury crisis!
Lood de Jager – 12 weeks
The Sale Sharks signing was seen walking off early in September with another shoulder injury. He had issues with it during the World Cup and it appears to have reared it’s head again in the Gallagher Premiership!
Someone noted that the injury looks like a shoulder dislocation which means we could see Lood out of the game from 6-18 weeks depending on the severity of the injury.
