South Africa injury boost as four Springboks set to travel for USA Test

South Africa have received a significant injury boost ahead of the fourth Test in the Greatest Rivalry Series, with Rassie Erasmus confirming that Damian Willemse, Handre Pollard, Grant Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie are expected to travel to Baltimore.

The Springboks have faced a number of fitness concerns in recent weeks, but head coach Erasmus provided a positive update while naming his side for the third Test against the All Blacks.

Willemse was forced off during South Africa’s 33-26 victory over New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday after suffering a hamstring problem. However, Erasmus said the injury was not serious enough to prevent the utility back from joining the squad in the United States.

“He pulled a hamstring, grade 1, so he should be on the plane on Sunday to Baltimore,” Erasmus said on Monday.

The update means Willemse is expected to remain in contention for selection when the teams meet in the fourth Test.

Pollard is also set to make the trip after missing the second Test because of a calf injury. His availability will provide further encouragement for South Africa as the series moves towards its closing stages.

Erasmus confirmed that Esterhuizen and Moodie have also recovered sufficiently from their respective injuries. Esterhuizen has been managing an ankle issue, while Moodie has been sidelined by a hamstring problem.

“Handre, Grant and Canan will be on the plane to Baltimore. They’ll be ready for the selection next week,” Erasmus said.

The four players will travel with the Springboks ahead of the fourth Test, although their involvement will depend on the selection process next week.

South Africa’s latest injury news comes after a demanding period in the series, during which the squad has had to manage several physical setbacks. Willemse’s early departure from the Cape Town match had raised concern, particularly with the Springboks preparing for the remaining fixtures against New Zealand.

Instead, Erasmus’ assessment suggests the injuries are unlikely to significantly affect South Africa’s options for the next match in the United States.

Before that fixture, the Springboks will play the third Test at FNB Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10.

The fourth Test will then take place in Baltimore, with the South African squad due to fly to the United States on Sunday. The match forms part of the final two fixtures in the Greatest Rivalry Series, and the return of several players to the selection picture offers South Africa greater flexibility as the contest progresses.