Jasper Wiese is relishing his return to the Springbok fold after a three-month stint on the sidelines through injury.
The bruising No 8 is set to earn his 35th Test cap when the Boks face Italy in Pretoria on Saturday, having recovered from the neck injury that kept him from the playing field.
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“My injury wasn’t that serious; there were two discs that had to recover in my neck, so I was only out for three months,” said Wiese. “I’m very excited to be back here. It’s a massive privilege.”
It’s a double celebration for the Wiese family, with Jasper’s brother Cobus included in the wider Bok squad after an impressive season with the Vodacom Bulls.
“We’ve never had the opportunity to play together, and it doesn’t get better than being able to do so for the national team, so I hope he gets a run,” said Wiese. “I’m very happy for him because he has always dreamed of it. Over and above that, he’s had a good season, and it’s fantastic to see how he has flourished at the Bulls.”
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At Loftus on Saturday, Wiese is expecting a fierce battle up front from a fired-up Italian pack.
“They are a very passionate side and they know how to get themselves up for a game. They are also strong up front and will want to try to dominate there this weekend.”
Wiese has been a standout player for English Premiership side Leicester Tigers over the past five seasons, but now plays in Japan’s Rugby League One with the Urayasu D-Rocks.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Anton Geyser Media
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