Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am will return to their clubs for further medical evaluations after being ruled out of the Springboks’ Rugby Championship match against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
Pollard and Am both sustained knee injuries during the Boks’ 25-17 loss to the Wallabies last weekend.
The pair will return to their respective English clubs, Leicester Tigers and the Sharks, for further medical advice.
Elton Jantjies (hand) and Pieter-Steph du Toit (knee), who were both ruled out for the Sydney Test, will remain in camp as they are anticipated to recuperate in time for the team’s final two matches against Argentina.
While Bok coach Jacques Nienaber stated that no replacements will be called up, he indicated that reinforcements will be called up if necessary.
“It’s always regrettable when players leave a team, but this provides an opportunity for other players to demonstrate their abilities in those places,” said Nienaber.
“We will now have 32 players in camp, and with Elton likely to recover in time for the matches against Argentina and players like Andre (Esterhuizen), Jesse (Kriel), and Frans (Steyn) all being capable centres, we are well stocked in the center position.”
“Our aim at the beginning of the season was to give most of the players in our extended squad game time as we prepare for the Rugby World Cup. This required rotating a few players, so we will take advantage of this opportunity to build depth.”
@WynonaLouw