Assistant coach Deon Davids has confirmed that the Springboks are facing a second-row quandary as Eben Etzebeth is doubtful for Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
The Springboks could be without their most experienced player when they tackle the All Blacks in Johannesburg, as the team is also now facing a crisis at lock.
During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Davids confirmed that Salmaan Moerat (concussion) and RG Snyman (leg) are definitely out of contention for the match.
The world champions are already without Lood de Jager (shoulder surgery), Franco Mostert (leg) and Jean Kleyn (eye).
“Salmaan follows the normal protocol for HIA so he won’t be available for selection this weekend,” Davids said. “We’ve also got a hoodoo this week in terms of our locks.
“We know at this stage guys like Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert and Jean Kleyn are out with injury. This point in time a guy like RG Snyman is also unavailable due to a leg injury.
“I can’t go into detail about that but he’ll be out for a couple of weeks.
“At this point in time Eben Etzebeth is struggling with a bit of a niggle and is also something we’ll have a look at in terms of his availability for this coming week.”
The injuries will put the Springboks’ depth in the engine room to the ultimate test as they chase a record-equaling third consecutive win against their rivals.
It appears that Ruan Nortje will retain his place in the starting lineup after making his first Test start against the Wallabies in Perth and the Vodacom Bulls captain could be joined by Pieter-Steph du Toit in the second row.
This would open up a place in the back row for Ben-Jason Dixon to start at blindside flank, while Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg – a surprise call into the squad from Montpellier – could earn just his second Test cap.
“Luckily we’ve got some good depth in guys who’ve played in those positions – Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ruan Nortje, who had a good last outing,” Davids said.
“We’ve got an experienced guy, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg we’ve brought in. We’ve got Ben-Jason Dixon who’s played a couple games at lock for the Stormers.
“It’ll always be tough when you lose some experience but it’s also a great opportunity to see the quality in the squad and what the next guys can bring.”
Photo: Aaron Gillions/ www.photosport.nz/BackpagePix
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
