Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that the Springboks will be without Handre Pollard for the Rugby Championship, but Damian Willemse will be back in time for the opener against Australia.
The Springboks have endured something of a mini-injury crisis at flyhalf which necessitated a recall for Elton Jantjies to the expanded squad that is preparing for the 2023 Rugby Championship and World Cup.
Pollard is battling with a calf injury suffered while in action for his club, Leicester Tigers, while Willemse was also a concern after picking up a knock to his knee in training.
However, during a press conference from the team’s camp in Pretoria, Erasmus said that he expects Willemse to be fit to face the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld on 8 July, alleviating the pressure to rush Pollard back into action.
“Injury-wise, our only real concern is Handre Pollard. That is why we have Elton here. We don’t want to put pressure on guys to play before they are 100 percent. There is no need. There is a bigger picture (the World Cup) and we have quality depth,” said Erasmus.
“Eben (Etzebeth) is coming along nicely (from a shoulder injury) and so is Siya (Kolisi) from his knee. Those guys we are looking at maybe playing in the (warm-up) game against Wales [on 19 August].
“Jaden Hendrikse is also looking good.”
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