DURBAN – No replacement will be called up for flanker Cyle Brink, who was forced to leave the Springbok camp on Thursday due to a knee injury sustained in training.
Brink was seen at the Springboks' team hotel hobbling on crutches on Thursday, having suffered an injury that has put paid to his immediate national ambitions.
The injury is serious enough to have forced Brink's departure from the squad, and he will now return to the Lions for further scans and assessment.
Brink was not set to feature in the Boks' Rugby Championship opener against Argentina this Saturday, but he was expected to receive an opportunity down the line in the tournament.
The dynamic flanker was a standout performer for the Lions during Super Rugby, with his explosive power having caught the eye of Bok coach Rassie Erasmus.
Brink suffered an injury that has put paid to his immediate national ambitions. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Although Brink's unavailability is a blow for the Boks, they are at least blessed with loose forward depth.
The likes of Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Jean-Luc du Preez could not even find a place in the match 23 for this Saturday's Test, and so it's rather understandable that no replacement will be called up to the Bok camp.
Following this Saturday's encounter, the Boks travel to Argentina to take on the Pumas in Mendoza.