Lood de Jager is back and it's scary . . . but not for Rassie Erasmus' Springboks
FILE - Springboks lock Lood de Jager rises high to take a lineout ball in their match against the Barbarians in Cape Town.
It was clear from the very first kickoff in the Springboks' match against the Barbarians that Lood de Jager was keen to make up for lost time in the green and gold jersey.
Saturday saw De Jager run out for the Springboks for the first time in almost two years after missing out on the Rugby World Cup squad due to a heart condition.
He got back on the rugby field with Japan side Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan in 2024, playing some good rugby, but suffered a serious rotator-cuff shoulder injury towards the end of the season which required surgery.
Ahead of the match against the Barbarians, coach Rassie Erasmus said he didn't want to put any extra pressure on De Jager following such a long absence from international rugby.
'It is kind of like a car that's been parked in the garage. You don't pick up mileage, but you will be a bit rusty. I am very excited for Lood. He thought it was all over (for his Bok career), and he won't play again. But here he is and hopefully, he gets a good run.'
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