The Springboks will give Eben Etzebeth time to make a final call on his availability to face the All Blacks after the camp received news of the death of his father.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that Harry Etzebeth had succumbed after a long battle with cancer. Eben is currently in New Zealand with the Springboks and was named to lead the team in the Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks in Auckland.
It has been reported that Springbok management has given Etzebeth time to decide whether he will play on Saturday.
READ: Kiwis wary of Bok aerial threat
Should Etzebeth withdraw, Lukhanyo Am or Steven Kitshoff are among the frontrunners to captain the Springboks, while Jean Kleyn is likely to be called into the matchday squad as a lock replacement after travelling to New Zealand on Sunday following his excellent debut performance against Australia.
RG Snyman, named on the bench against the All Blacks, and Jean-Luc du Preez, who was left out of the matchday-23, are also candidates to start.
Photo: BackpagePix