Eben Etzebeth may nonetheless get referred to as into the Springboks’ group to face the All Blacks at Ellis Park, after initially being neglected of the matchday-23 on account of a knee concern.
Reported as uncertain on Monday by forwards coach Deon Davids, Etzebeth was not named within the Bok squad by Rassie Erasmus on Tuesday.
TEAM: Boks again Fassi to fly in opposition to All Blacks
As an alternative Pieter-Steph du Toit was handed the No 4 jersey, in a second-row combo with Ruan Nortje, whereas there are three free forwards on the bench in Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith and Elrigh Louw.
Nevertheless, when requested about Etzebeth’s standing, Erasmus defined that the centurion lock may nonetheless be referred to as into the group, on the expense of one of many substitute flanks.
“We introduced on Monday morning internally, with Eben out, as a result of our coverage is that for those who can’t prepare on a Monday, you may’t play on a Saturday or Sunday,” Erasmus mentioned. “However then Eben goes and does the entire coaching session on Monday.
“I’ve to have a look at how this afternoon goes after which have a chat with all of the gamers tonight. We’d make a change, as a result of he may need miraculously recovered, and the doc says there’s some science behind that, it’s not simply the need to play or the event.
“If that’s the case, we can be too pleased. Will probably be very unfortunate for certainly one of Marco, Elrigh and Kwagga to be neglected. Will probably be a name between the three of them. We’ll assume clearly and see how Pieter-Steph strikes and tonight we are going to make the decision.”
Erasmus defined that Etzebeth had suffered a twisted knee throughout a dwell scrumming session, however had averted tearing any ligaments.
“It’s a meniscus. It’s simply from altering one foot to the opposite within the scrum on his personal, it’s not like somebody ran onto his knee and he acquired a tear,” Erasmus mentioned.
“He twisted his knee somewhat bit in a scrum session. Hopefully the mechanics don’t present large trauma.”
Rassie Erasmus shares an replace on Eben Etzebeth’s damage and says there’s nonetheless an opportunity a late change could possibly be made forward of the All Blacks match 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/aoRSGQiCaz
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 27, 2024
Photograph: Paul Harding/Gallo Pictures