Springbok Coach Jacques Nienaber commends Lood De Jager ahead of his 50th test match. De Jager’s unmatched line-out supremacy would be a tough match up for the Argentinians after a 6/6 success rate in the first match against Argentina at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

“Lood is a stalwart, and his work ethic is admirable, so we are excited to see him achieve this big feat,” said Nienaber.

“It takes a special character to feature and perform consistently at international level and to play 50 Tests for the Springboks.Lood is certainly deserving of this accolade,” he added.

The 28-year-old sustained various injuries that threatened to derail his career. He has been with the team for two World Cups after making his debut against the Welsh team in 2014.

“He’s had a misfortune like the shoulder injury he sustained in the World Cup, but he’s slowly getting back to his match fitness now,”said Nienaber

“I can take my hat off to Lood in the time that I have worked with him, especially with the ups and downs that he has had to face. ”

Nienaber mentions that he has put in approximately 200 as he worked his way back from injuries. He also reflected on how he started working with De Jager in 2016 and how he made his presence felt despite having several lock partners.

The team celebrated Handre Pollard and Steven Kitshoff’s 50th cap and this week will celebrate De Jager’s achievement.

Story: Fatima Said

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