"Small chance" of RG Snyman featuring in Lions series

Springbok forwards coach Deon Davids has shed some light on the current status of towering second-row RG Snyman, and while it is not all that encouraging from a South African point of view, there does still appear to be some hope. 

Snyman and his Munster and Springbok teammate Damian de Allende sustained serious burns as a result of a fire accident several weeks ago and have been in consultations with a specialist since returning to South Africa, according to a report in sarugbymag.co.za. 

 “RG Snyman is currently out of the squad, he is not with us,” Davids said. “He went for a skin graft operation. Obviously, he will start his process of rehabilitation. As he recovers and we get medical updates, he will return to the squad. 

“At this stage, I think there will be a small chance that he will be part of the British & Irish Lions Test series, but he will definitely return for the remaining Test fixtures in the Rugby Championship and end-of-year tour.” 

There has been much concern over Eben Etzebeth who left the field at half-time against Georgia. 

“Eben got a rib injury on Friday. He was assessed and was quite fine this morning,” Davids said. “The medical team is still assessing him. The head coach will then make a decision on his availability for this weekend. Maybe in a day or two, we will have a final call on him.” 

If this past weekend is anything to go by, the lineouts are going to be an area which the Springboks have to be effective in, as Maro Itoje, in particular, showed brilliance as far as stealing opposition ball. In light of this, it will be hoped that both Snyman and Etzebeth will be ready for action by the time the test matches come around.