Flyhalf Patrick Lambie is still on the sidelines and has been ruled out of the Springboks’ third Test series decider against Ireland in Port Elizabeth next Saturday.
Lambie missed the Boks’ come-from-behind 32-26 victory at Ellis Park due to concussion following his clash with Ireland flank CJ Stander in the first Test at Newlands, for which Stander was suspended for one week.
The Bok management hoped that Lambie – who coach Allister Coetzee said needed to run the backline – would be ready for next weekend’s clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, and gave him the week off to recover.
But team doctor Konrad von Hagen said in a statement on Sunday that Lambie was not quite ready to play as yet. “Pat is still experiencing symptoms of concussion and because of that we cannot start the Return to Play Protocol. As a result of that, he will unfortunately not be available for selection,” Von Hagen said.
Lambie’s absence means that Elton Jantjies will continue in the pivot position in Port Elizabeth, with veteran Morné Steyn as back-up on the bench, with Garth April the other flyhalf in the squad.
Von Hagen confirmed that both No 8s in the group, Duane Vermeulen (elbow) and Warren Whiteley (shoulder), as well as prop Trevor Nyakane (ankle), sustained injuries at Ellis Park and will undergo scans on Monday to determine the seriousness of the knocks.
Lock Lood de Jager also missed the second Test with a calf injury, and is still being treated at the moment. A final decision on his fitness will be taken later in the week.
Meanwhile, the Boks will train at the Wolfson Stadium in Zwide on Monday afternoon as part of their #LoveRugby campaign, where fans will be able to take pictures and get autographs with the players and coaches.
It is a homecoming for a number of players and also Coetzee – who hails from Grahamstown – and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, who is from Port Elizabeth.
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