Springboks suffer major injury blow ahead of third All Blacks Test
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Sidelined.
The Springboks have suffered a major injury blow ahead of the third Test against the All Blacks, with Damian Willemse ruled out of next weekend’s clash at FNB Stadium.
Willemse picked up a hamstring injury during South Africa’s 33-26 victory over New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday as Rassie Erasmus’ side levelled Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at 1-1.
The fullback went down shortly before half-time and was unable to return after the break.
Manie Libbok came on at fly-half for the second half, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu shifting to full-back.
Speaking after the victory, Erasmus confirmed Willemse will not recover in time for the third Test.
“Damian Willemse? He injured his hamstring; he’s out for next week,” Erasmus said.
It represents a significant setback for the Springboks ahead of another huge meeting with the All Blacks.
Willemse has provided Erasmus with considerable versatility across the backline and started the second Test at full-back. His absence will now force another change to the Springbok backline when Erasmus names his side for the third Test.
South Africa will at least head to Johannesburg with momentum after responding to their 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park with a much-improved performance in Cape Town.
The Springboks scored three tries on their way to a 33-26 victory, ensuring the four-Test series remains finely poised heading into the second half of the tour.
The third Test takes place at FNB Stadium next Saturday, where South Africa will look to take a 2-1 series lead.
