Cheslin Kolbe ruled out of South Africa’s fourth Test against All Blacks

South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe will miss the fourth Test of the Greatest Rivalry Series against New Zealand after suffering a broken jaw, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed.

Kolbe was forced to leave the field early in the first half of South Africa’s 29-24 victory over New Zealand in Soweto. The injury occurred as the winger made a tackle on All Blacks forward Luke Jacobson.

“Cheslin broke his jaw,” Erasmus said after the match.

The injury is a significant blow for South Africa as they prepare to travel to Baltimore for the next meeting with New Zealand. Kolbe has been one of the Springboks’ key players during the series, but he will remain behind in South Africa rather than join the travelling squad.

Erasmus did, however, confirm that Damian Willemse will be available for the Baltimore Test. Canan Moodie is also expected to be ready for selection.

“Damian Willemse and Canan will be ready next week,” said Erasmus.

A number of other South Africa players will also stay at home instead of travelling to the United States. Carlu Sadie, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Boan Venter and Ben-Jason Dixon will not be part of the squad making the trip.

Dixon continues to experience concussion symptoms, while the decision to leave the other players behind forms part of the Springboks’ preparations for the next match.

“The other guys staying behind will be Carlu [Sadie], Ntuks [Ntuthuko Mchunu], Boan [Venter], and Ben-Jason [Dixon][as] he’s still got some concussion symptoms.”

The changes to the travelling party have also opened the door for scrum-half Herschel Jantjies, who had not featured in the series before the Soweto Test. He had originally been expected to remain in South Africa, but Kolbe’s injury means he will now travel to Baltimore.

“Herschel would have stayed home, but because Cheslin is now staying home, Herschel is travelling with us.”

Erasmus also explained that South Africa still have cover in the back three despite Kolbe’s absence. Grant Williams can provide cover on the wing, while Aphelele Fassi and Quan Horn are also included in the travelling group.

“Grant [Williams] also covers wing, [Aphelele] Fassi is ready, and Quan Horn is going with us as well.”

New Zealand will also be without a leading player for the fourth Test. All Blacks captain Ardie Savea suffered a shoulder injury late in the first half in Soweto and will not travel to the United States.

Savea scored two tries at the Calabash before leaving the match. New Zealand coach Dave Rennie said the extent of the injury was not yet clear, including whether the shoulder had been dislocated.

“Yes, it’s his shoulder,” coach Dave Rennie said of the All Blacks’ talisman, who scored two tries at the Calabash.

“I’m certainly not sure whether it’s dislocated or not, but he certainly won’t be travelling to the States.”