Lions and Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg is expected to be out for the next four to six months after undergoing surgery on Wednesday.
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The Lions’ build-up to next weekend’s historic United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Leinster has been heavily overshadowed by a serious injury blow to Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg.
Coach Ivan van Rooyen confirmed this week that Van den Berg — affectionately known as “Krappie” — underwent surgery on Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined for between four to six months.
The 27-year-old’s prolonged absence is a massive setback not only for the Lions ahead of their daunting trip to Dublin, but also for the Springboks as the international season rapidly approaches.
Van Rooyen revealed at a media briefing on Friday morning that Van den Berg (biceps) and explosive loose forward Ruan Venter (knee) were both facing lengthy spells on the sidelines after undergoing surgery this week.
“Both Krappie and Ruan were operated on Wednesday,” Van Rooyen said. “The operations went well, fortunately. Both of them are out for quite a bit. Unfortunately, with Krappie it looks to be four to six months, if I have that correct. So it’s a big blow.”
The Lions coach admitted that the injuries, coupled with the confirmation of Springbok tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye’s long-term suspension, had robbed the franchise of experienced match-day leaders.
“We will probably have to share responsibility a little bit more throughout the pack and throughout the team to get us momentum and stop momentum,” he noted.
There was, however, encouraging news surrounding captain and number eight Francke Horn alongside influential centre Henco van Wyk. The crucial pairing both completed light running sessions this week as they continue their respective recoveries from injury, and Van Rooyen remains highly hopeful they will be certified fit to face the Irish giants in the Lions’ first-ever URC quarter-final appearance.
“Francke and Henco van Wyk did a light running session yesterday to see where they are,” he explained. “I think they passed that session, so they’ll gradually keep on improving. At this stage, it looks like they might be ready for next weekend.”
The Lions also received a further positive medical update on utility back Richard Kriel, who has recovered well after sustaining a recent head knock.