Rassie goes under the knife, Pieter-Steph next?

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has undergone shoulder surgery, while Pieter-Steph du Toit may also have to go under the knife.

Seven Springbok Rugby World Cup winners were named in World Rugby's 2024 Dream Team at a ceremony in Monaco on Sunday. Image: SA Rugby website

The Springboks have just completed a memorable, but taxing, 2024 season that saw them claim 11 wins out of 13.

The bulk of the Springbok squad landed in South Africa on Monday afternoon after all the players all returned to their franchises and clubs to continue their domestic commitments, while the coaches will enjoy a well-deserved festive season break.

After returning from the national team’s successful year-end tour of the United Kingdom, Erasmus confirmed he had undergone shoulder surgery.

“It’s all okay, I think I’ll be out of hospital by the weekend,” Erasmus said via an audio clip on his X account.

After Rassie’s surgery, Pieter-Steph du Toit may also need to go under the knife

There are some players who are also now assessing injuries, and receiving treatment where necessary, and it has been confirmed that World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit may also need a surgical procedure for a shoulder injury.

“We will make a call on what is going to happen in the next few days,” he told Rugby365.

Meanwhile, when reflecting on the season that was, Erasmus said the players’ patience with all the squad rotations throughout the season was admirable.

The Springboks won 11 of their 13 matches in 2024, with their only two defeats being by one point against Ireland and Argentina respectively.

Adding to these accolades, the 45-12 victory over Wales ensured Boks were unbeaten on their traditional November tour for the first time since 2013.

“It was nice for the team to have achieved all of that,” Rassie commented as he looked back on a season where Pieter-Steph continued to perform at the highest level.

“I was worried at first about how the players will take the swapping, but we were honest with them at the beginning of the season, and they all bought into the plan, which is admirable.

“We also got a new attack and defence coach in this year (Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery) and the way they slotted in and assisted the team was fantastic.

“We are satisfied with the scoreboard (against Wales) and the year in general. And one must applaud the players for their effort, especially since we made so many changes.

“It’s rewarding that we were able to finish the year using 50 players. We lost rhythm at times, but the way Siya (Kolisi) and the other leaders kept the group together was special.”

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