Springboks to be forced into team changes
· The South African
On the eve of this past weekend’s opening Test against England, the Springboks had to cope with the withdrawal of two key forwards, Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth.
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The fact that Etzebeth is contending with another head knock when he has a history with concussion issues will be cause for some concern. It’s highly likely that he will not be rushed back to face Scotland.
Kolisi, meanwhile, is believed to be battling with a hamstring strain, and it would be no surprise if Rassie Erasmus keeps him on the sidelines as a precaution.
Ox Nche is also set to be ruled out for some time due to a knee injury, while Andre Etserhuizen – who was replaced following a blow to the neck in a tackle – also needs to be assessed.
Springboks expected to make squad change
With clarity needed on all of these latest injuries, and others, it’s expected that the Springboks will announce some squad changes early this week, while the team announcement for this Saturday’s Test against Scotland is likely to be delayed to later in the week.
“I think Ox will be out. That’s just my gut feeling of seeing a guy like Ox, when he says he can’t go on, then there’s something not great,” Erasmus commented on Saturday night.
“Because he (Etzebeth) got the head knock early in the week, maybe he can be available, depending on his symptoms.
“André definitely got a head knock concussion in the game, I’m not sure which category that will be.
“Lood (de Jager) might be ready. I think ‘Sous’ (Franco Mostert) is another two weeks away. But we have Cobus Wiese and Vincent Tshituka there.
“For Siya, if it’s a grade one (hamstring straing), then there’s a chance (he could face Scotland). If it’s a grade two, then probably not.”
All eyes on the next battle
The Springboks had recovery day on Sunday and will resume their on-field preparations on Monday.
Tickets for the Scotland Test at Loftus this Saturday are still available – CLICK HERE.
Kick off is at 17:40.