Thursday Afternoon Round Up

Zebo ruled out for 5 weeks

Munster has confirmed that Simon Zebo sustained a fractured rib in Munster's opening round victory last weekend. The international winger and full-back is expected to be sidelined for five weeks.

A further injury update confirmed Kevin O'Byrne will be unavailable for three months. The hooker who was a late replacement against Scarlets last Saturday sustained an elbow injury in the last minutes of the game.

Injury rules Drummond out for season

Canterbury halfback Mitchell Drummond is set to miss the remainder of the Mitre 10 Cup season, after sustaining a broken left fibula during training.

He will undergo an operation to insert a plate and screws, and aim to recover to play in the early stages of Super Rugby.

"Mitch is playing some great rugby for us at the moment so it is disappointing for the team and obviously for Mitch to see him have his season so prematurely ended," said Canterbury Head Coach Scott Robertson.

"But Mitch has a great attitude and work ethic so I know that he will bounce back from this injury and be back out on the field making a full contribution next year."

A New Springbok milestone for Etzebeth

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will become the youngest Springbok ever to earn 50 Test caps when he runs out against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

"I am here in Australia with a special group of friends, playing for my country and I really do enjoy playing rugby. However, it’s all about the team and not the individual and I hope to make a meaningful contribution to our team effort on Saturday," said the 24-year-old.

Saturday's clash will be his 27th consecutive match for South Africa.

Reece Hodge makes first start for Australia

Reece Hodge will make his first start for Australia after being named on the left wing for Saturday's Test against South Africa in Brisbane.

Hodge is the only new face in the Wallabies backline from that which started against the All Blacks in Wellington, with coach Michael Cheika sticking with the Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley.

Australia: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Bernard Foley, 11 Reece Hodge, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dean Mumm, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (c), 1 Scott Sio 
Replacements (one to be ommitted): 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Rory Arnold, 20 Lopeti Timani, 21 Sean McMahon, 22 Nick Phipps, 23 Tevita Kuridrani, 24 Drew Mitchell