The Springboks released both flyhalf Handre Pollard and midfielder Lukhanyo Am back to their clubs to rehabilitate after both picked up knee injuries in the loss in Adelaide against the Wallabies.
But the two other injured players in the squad – flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and flyhalf Elton Jantjies will remain with the squad as they are expected to recover from their injuries in time for the two games against Argentina.
Du Toit has a knee injury while Jantjies has a hand injury.
The Boks released no timelines on recovery for Am and Pollard, but the injuries are serious enough that they won’t play any further part in the team’s campaign and it waits to be seen if they are available for the Autumn internationals in November.
Losing both is a massive blow for the Boks, especially as Am has been the form midfielder in World Rugby this year, while Pollard’s absence will give the Boks a chance to test their depth at 10 ahead of the Rugby World Cup next season.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said no replacements would be called up at this stage as they have sufficient cover within the squad. However, if the need arises, they will call on reinforcements.
“It’s always unfortunate to lose players in a squad, but this opens the door for other players to step in and showcase what they can do in those positions,” said Nienaber.
“We will now have 32 players in camp and with Elton expected to recover for the matches against Argentina and players such as Andre (Esterhuizen) and Jesse (Kriel) and Frans (Steyn) all being capable centres, we are well covered.
“Our plan from the outset of the season was to give most of the players in our expanded squad game time as we build towards the Rugby World Cup, and this involved rotating a few players, so we’ll use this opportunity to build our depth.”
The Boks will be using Jesse Kriel in Am’s absence, and also have Warrick Gelant in the side that can play at 13 while the flyhalf role is likely to be shared between Jantjies, Damian Willemse – who is in the 10 jersey in Sydney this weekend.
Johan Goosen, who was part of the squad and is still completing his rehab, will be fit in September and should be available for the November tour.