Springboks lose star player for third Test

Rassie Erasmus has revealed that fullback Damian Willemse is likely to be ruled out of the third Test between the Springboks and All Blacks in Soweto next week.

The Springboks needed to bounce back after last weekend’s torrid display which ultimately resulted in defeat. And bounced back they did. While the hosts were outscored four tries to three by the All Blacks, Cheslin Kolbe’s boot made all the difference as he knocked over seven kicks at goal (three conversions and four penalties).

And that serves as the best illustration of how much more well-rounded and clinical (in terms of turning any scoring opportunities into points) the Springboks were in Cape Town on Saturday.

But while everyone in the Springbok camp will be in a celebratory mood, there was a bit of a dampener with news of Willemse’s injury.

RASSIE ERASMUS GIVES NEGATIVE UPDATE ON WILLEMSE

The two-time World Cup-winning fullback was injured in the dying moments of the first half when he got his positioning all wrong in an attempted tackle. As the teams headed to the tunnel for the half-time break, Willemse was still grounded while getting medical attention.

And while he did eventually make his way off the field, he failed to come back out for the second half, with Manie Libbok coming on at flyhalf and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu shifting to fullback.

Speaking to the media post-match, Erasmus confirmed Willemse will miss next Saturday’s clash.

“Damian Willemse? Yeah, he’s injured his hamstring, he’s out for next week,” Erasmus revealed.