CAPE TOWN – Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will have to deal with a double injury blow before the start of his first full series after Bismarck du Plessis and Frans Steyn were ruled out of the England series due to injury.
The Springbok management made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon, which is when Du Plessis and Steyn were due to arrive in camp.
Hooker Du Plessis and utility back Steyn both featured for Montpellier in the French Top 14 final against Castres on Saturday, which the latter won in a surprise 29-13 victory.
“Hooker Bismarck du Plessis and centre Frans Steyn have been withdrawn from the Springbok group because of injury. Both players sustained the injuries while playing club rugby in France last weekend,” SA Rugby said in a statement.
“Both went for further investigations and specialist opinions and it was decided to rather withdraw them from the Springbok squad for the Incoming Series against England.”
Erasmus said on Monday that Du Plessis and Steyn would not be considered for the opening Test against England at Ellis Park on Saturday, but it was expected that they would’ve been part of the Bok mix for the second Test in Bloemfontein.
UPDATE - Bismarck du Plessis and Frans Steyn have been withdrawn from the Springbok group because of injury. Both were injured while playing club rugby in France last weekend. They went for further investigations & specialist opinions and it was decided to rather withdraw them.
— South African Rugby (@Springboks) June 6, 2018
It is unclear whether they will be replaced, but that is unlikely, considering the fact that 41 other players are in the Bok camp at the moment.
Bongi Mbonambi is set to start at hooker this weekend, with Damian de Allende at inside centre.
@ashfakmohamed