Springboks back-rower Elrigh Louw says the motivation to pull on the green and gold jersey kept him going through a gruelling 10-month injury layoff, as the Boks prepare for a fierce physical examination against Argentina on Saturday.
Louw damaged ligaments in his left knee and also broke his leg during the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship triumph over the Lions at the end of January 2025.
There were genuine fears that it was a career-ending injury, but, after successful surgery and rehab, Louw returned to action ahead of schedule in December last year.
The hard-hitting loose forward returns to the Boks starting line-up for the Test at Estadio José Amalfitani, determined to make the most of his opportunity. His only other Test this season was coming off the bench against Scotland in the Nations Championship.
Reflecting on a devastating leg injury that sidelined him for nearly a year, the 26-year-old credited his support structure and his desire to return to the international arena for driving his recovery.
“It was quite a big injury and devastating for me at the time,” Louw said from the Springbok camp in Buenos Aires.
“There was a lot of support behind me — the whole family that helped me, the medical staff, and the rehab team to get back on the field in the time that I did.
“Just the motivation to be back in the Springbok squad was more than enough motivation for me to keep on working hard and to play rugby again to the best of my ability.”
Louw was part of the Springbok side that suffered a narrow defeat to Los Pumas in Argentina in 2024, and he insists the world champions have taken those painful lessons on board ahead of Saturday’s rematch.
“Obviously we know Argentina is a real quality side and we learned our lessons from the last time we played here,” Louw noted. “Argentina are really physical, a quality, quality side. But we are well prepared for the match.”
With recent adjustments to the laws surrounding the maul becoming a tactical focal point in international rugby, Louw revealed that forward lineout drive preparation has been a primary focus on the training paddock this week.
The maul has become a big weapon, as referees tend to be strict when players swim around the side or pull the maul back.
“We are starting to see a lot of mauls in the different competitions,” Louw explained. “It’s definitely an area that we continue to focus on, and we are definitely working hard on it.”
Now back in the starting XV, Louw’s mindset is simple as he looks to cement his place in Rassie Erasmus’ plans: “You get the opportunity and you use it to the best of your ability.”
