Forgotten Bok lock Jean Kleyn just the man to lead forward charge against Italy

South Africa are not short of quality lock forwards, but on the Springboks’ current tour of Europe, they are under pressure following the suspension of Lood de Jager. Still, there is a “forgotten” lock who can give them all the industry they need in the second row.

It is hard to believe that Jean Kleyn last played for the Springboks at Test level in their pool defeat to New Zealand at the 2023 World Cup. The Munster lock was not required in the latter stages of that tournament, and the following year he began a run of serious injuries that kept him out of the Bok fold for two years.

He did, however, play for SA against the Barbarians earlier this year in a tour match.

He is on tour now after coach Rassie Erasmus noted a run of strong performances by Kleyn for Munster in the United Rugby Championship. The 30-year-old has proved his injury battles are over and remains the tireless warrior who impressed Erasmus when he coached Kleyn at Munster in 2016 and 2017.

Kleyn has been a keen observer of the tour matches against Japan and France and is expected to start against Italy.

The No 5 lock to partner him will be either Ruan Nortje or RG Snyman. The feeling is that this is the ideal game for Snyman to get a rare start, with Nortje coming off the bench as he did brilliantly last week in Paris.

This would also keep in-form Nortje relatively fresh for the Dublin game, which he must start in the absence of De Jager.

Snyman has played eight times for the Springboks in 2025, but has started just twice — against Australia in Cape Town and a fortnight ago against Japan. That means he has plenty of yardage in his legs and is the right man to start in Turin.

Given the lock stocks on tour, Erasmus always has the option of moving Jasper Mostert to lock at some point in the Italy match. However, it makes sense for Kleyn and Snyman to start against Italy, with Nortje and, possibly, Mostert providing cover from the bench.