Having come through a tough period in his career, Gerhard Steenekamp now finds himself as the Springboks’ first-choice loosehead for the rest of the year-end tour.
The Bulls hardman has fought his way back from a nightmare six-month layoff, just as Ox Nche’s injury opened a door in the Bok front-row rotation.
It’s been a brutal journey for the 28-year-old, who went under the knife after the 2024 end-of-year tour to clear up cartilage in his knee, only for infection complications to delay his recovery.
MORE: Mallett laments Ox loss, backs Cheslin at 15
After half a year of rehab and frustration, Steenekamp finally returned in September, starting the Bulls’ URC opener against the Ospreys at Loftus. Five matches later, his name was back on a Springbok squad list.
“It’s been a long road,” said Steenekamp, who replaced the injured Nche in the 18th minute of the match against Japan at Wembley.
“You must take it for what it is – you can’t control stuff like that, and as soon as I got my head wrapped around that, it was easier. There was no long-term damage to the knee, and I am back to full fitness.”
He says the experience gave him a deeper appreciation for the game he loves.
“I can honestly say I got a new perspective on rugby,” he said. “It’s such a big part of my life, and you start to take things for granted. Suddenly it gets taken away from you, and then you realise how badly you want it.”
ZACH: Bok debut was unreal, crazy
The long hours in hospital and rehab were softened by the support of his family and friends – and by the vision of returning to the green and gold.
“When I was in the hospital, I just kept thinking there is a light at the end of the tunnel, just keep working,” he reflected.
That perseverance has paid off for Steenekamp, who featured in 10 of the 13 Bok Tests in 2024.
“To be back with the Springboks means so much,” he said. “This is an incredible environment, and as soon as you leave, the only thing you want to do is come back.”
LES BLEUS: ‘Desire to beat Boks is very strong’
Photo: Paul Harding/Getty Images
The post Steenekamp’s perseverance pays off appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.