Rassie Erasmus has revealed that Ox Nche is a serious doubt for Saturday’s Test match against the Wallabies after picking up an injury during a training session.
Loosehead prop Nche was named to start for the Springboks in the Rugby Championship opener against Australia, alongside hooker Bongi Mbonambi and tighthead Frans Malherbe.
However, shortly after Jacques Nienaber announced the match-day 23 during a press conference on Tuesday, Erasmus said that the 27-year-old could miss the match after an injury prevented him from completing a training session.
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“Ox picked up an injury on his pectoral muscle,” said Erasmus. “So there is a bit of doubt around him. We will find out later this afternoon.
Should Nche be ruled out, it could mean that Thomas du Toit is promoted from the bench to the starting lineup.
Steven Kitshoff, originally among the 14 Springboks scheduled to travel to New Zealand on Tuesday, could in that case be named on the bench to face the Wallabies.
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“As we said last week, we are booking flights for the Tuesday night and Wednesday night, depending on how the team prepares for Australia,” explained Erasmus.
“With Ox being a doubt, Kitsie will stay behind until we’ve got 100% clearance. If Ox is out with his pec muscle, then Kitsie will come into the team.”
A further announcement on the Bok team to face the Wallabies will be made on Wednesday.
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