Springboks injury concerns grow before second Test against All Blacks

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed a growing list of injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town, with Canan Moodie, Grant Williams and Ben-Jason Dixon unavailable.

The Springboks are also waiting on the fitness of captain Siya Kolisi, who has been bracketed at number six in the team named for the match. If Kolisi is unable to make his return in the green and gold, Paul de Villiers is set to deputise for him again.

Erasmus provided the update after announcing his side for the second match of the four-Test Greatest Rivalry series. South Africa’s injury situation has become more complicated, with several players now ruled out or facing late fitness checks.

“Unfortunately, Canan pulled a hamstring, and Grant picked up an ankle injury,” said Erasmus.

“Ben-Jason has some concussion symptoms that he picked up last week.”

Moodie and Williams will therefore miss Saturday’s Test, while Dixon is also sidelined after reporting concussion symptoms following last week’s match.

Cheslin Kolbe was not included in the starting side named for the Cape Town fixture, but Erasmus has not completely ruled out the possibility of the winger being added later in the week. Kolbe was forced to leave the field during the Springboks’ victory over the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday after suffering from cramps.

However, Erasmus said the winger is now dealing with an additional problem.

“It’s not even the hamstring anymore now, it’s a bit of the ankle as well,” Erasmus told reporters.

Kolisi’s availability remains another key issue for South Africa. The captain was listed at blindside flanker in the squad announcement, but the Springboks will again turn to Paul de Villiers if he does not recover in time.

The mounting injury toll is a concern for both teams as the series progresses. With four Tests scheduled, Erasmus will be keen to preserve as many of his players as possible for the third and fourth matches.

The All Blacks have already endured a demanding tour from an injury perspective, while South Africa are now facing their own selection problems before the second encounter.

Saturday’s Test at Cape Town kicks off at 17:10.