Jasper Wiese undergoes neck surgery … fight for Bok No 8 jersey to hot up

The highly competitive battle for the Springbok No 8 jersey took a new twist this week when it emerged that first choice eighthman Jasper Wiese might not play any Test rugby this season.

The 29-year-old, who has been backed as the successor to Duane Vermeulen in the key eighthman position, has returned to South Africa from Japan to undergo neck surgery.

Wiese, who has already played 28 Tests since making his debut in 2021, shared the news on an X (Twitter) post by his Japanese club, Urayasu D-Rocks. The powerful loose forward previously played for Leicester Tigers in England.

“Hi to all the D-Rocks fans, I hope everyone is well. I just wanted to say that I had to come back to South Africa to get an operation on my neck. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play again this season, but please, your support means the world to us. Please keep on supporting the team. I really appreciate it, and for the team, all the best for the season. Thank you,” said Wiese.

Here is the X post:

Bok No 8 options

The Springboks are next in action in late June and then in early July when Italy visit South Africa for two Tests, while Georgia will also tour in South Africa and play one Test.

Besides Wiese, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has in recent times employed Kwagga Smith at No 8, while Evan Roos and Elrigh Louw have also been No 8 options. Louw though has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

The Bulls’ Cameron Hanekom won a first Test cap in Europe in November and could now emerge as a front runner for the Bok No 8 jersey.

The Lions’ Francke Horn will also be an option in the coming months, after the franchise skipper was invited to the Boks’ first planning camp of the season a few weeks ago.

Bok skipper Siya Kolisi has also played eighthman for the Sharks this season and could be a surprise pick in the position later this year.

Other overseas-based players who could also come into the reckoning include the Du Preez twins who play for Sale Sharks, Jean-Luc and Dan, as well as Juarno Augustus, who plays for Northampton Saints.