Eben thrilled to have Lood back

Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth (above) is thrilled to have the second row band back together, with Lood de Jager having returned to the national team, after a couple of years out of action with injury.

- Ross Roche

It means that it is the first time in almost six years that Etzebeth, De Jager, Franco Mostert and RG Snyman are in the Bok squad together, after they ruled the skies during the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Last year the Boks had a lock crisis on their hands at one stage, necessitating emergency call-ups, but this year they were now heading into the international season with terrific depth.

That is thanks to having the four veterans leading the way, while exciting rising talents Ruan Nortje and Salmaan Moerat are also in the mix.