Nienaber reacts to questions over de Jager and Mapimpi

In the wake of the Springbok squad announcement for the first Test against the British & Irish Lions, many eyebrows have been raised to the presence of Lood de Jager and Makazole Mapimpi in the match-day squad.  

The towering de Jager has not seen game time in months after recovering from ankle and shoulder injuries while Mapimpi has also been out of action for an extended period as he recovered from Covid-19. 

However, according to a report in the Times, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was calm in addressing the question. 

“They have been part of squad since 2018‚” he said. “We have worked with them extensively and we have worked with them for long. We are comfortable they will slot in.” 

Saturday’s Test kicks off on Saturday at 18:00 (local time).