Frans Malherbe suffers back injury: Is Springbok season in jeopardy?

Is veteran Springbok prop Frans Malherbe in danger of being sidelined this Test year?

It could be that way according to Stormers boss John Dobson.

Malherbe, who has anchored the Bok scrum for a number of years now and won two World Cup medals in 2019 and 2023, has hurt his back and is set for further scans in the coming days. He will miss Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against Connacht in Cape Town.

According to sarugbymag.co.za, Dobson called the loss of Malherbe a “disaster”.

‘It could be a long time’

He said about his injured tighthead specialist: “It’s a back thing, and a tighthead and a back and scans and epidurals … It’s a moving feast,” Dobson was quoted as saying on Friday.

“He [Malherbe] could play next week or it could be a long time.

“It’s not a precaution, he’s definitely unavailable. Be lucky if he plays next week. I think it’s one of the things that he’s going to require more scans and scans.

“He’s been struggling with his posture for a little while in the scrum, and it’s just got worse. I hope for something good but he went yesterday to the specialist [who said] absolutely no chance this week, more scans next week.

“So it’s a disaster.”

Bok future in doubt?

One has got to wonder whether at the age of 34 Malherbe’s time at the top might be over, or nearing its end?

Another Stormers prop, and two-time World Cup winner, Steven Kitshoff was recently forced to retire from the game because of a neck injury. According to doctors Kitshoff was millimetres away from losing his life when the injury happened.

Malherbe is set to see doctors again next week, ahead of the Stormers’ next match in the URC.

With Malherbe ruled out and his back-up, Neethling Fouche, suspended, for four games, Sazi Sandi will make a rare start in the Stormers front row on Saturday.

The match kicks off at 4pm.

The first Springbok match of the year is in late June, with further Tests in July against Italy and Georgia.