Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that captain Siya Kolisi, wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, and wing Edwill van der Merwe have all been ruled out of this Saturday’s Test against the Wallabies.
Kolisi faces the lengthiest period on the sidelines, and will be unavailable for three to four weeks, while the other trio will hope to be back in time for the games against the All Blacks in September.
Who will replace these injured Springboks?
Siya Kolisi
The curse of the No 8 position continues after Kolisi picked up a knee injury against the All Blacks. Erasmus could now turn to Jean-Luc du Preez or Kwagga Smith, but the most likely scenario will probably see Cobus Wiese receive another shot at eighthman. A bolter could be Evan Roos, but there is no sign that a call up is on the cards.
Edwill van der Merwe
With Cheslin Kolbe returning from injury, there will be a straight switch after Van der Merwe picked up yet another unfortunate injury in Springbok colours.
Kurt-Lee Arendse
It’s a little bit trickier on the left wing, where there is not that much specialist back up. Kolbe may need to do a job in the No 11 jersey, allowing Ethan Hooker or Canan Moodie to take up the other spot on the wing in the absence of Arendse.
Pieter-Steph du Toit
The big man is virtually irreplaceable at blindside flank, and it adds to the conundrum when it comes to the back row balance. Du Preez and Smith both have enough versatility to fill in here, but it would not be a surprise in the slightest to see utility forward Franco Mostert shift into the No 7 jersey again.
Who would you pick?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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