Am and Pollard added to Springboks' growing injury list

Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has been forced into several changes ahead of his side's second test against Australia on Saturday.

South Africa fell to a 25-17 defeat in round three of the Rugby Championship against Australia with the loss compounded by injuries to key players.

Already without the services of Cheslin Kolbe and Bongi Mbonambi due to injury, South Africa head into the second test with Australia without the likes of Pieter-Steph du Toit, Elton Jantjies, Handre Pollard, and Lukhanyo Am.

Pollard, Am and du Toit were all ruled out due to knee injuries, while Elton Jantjies injured his hand.

Commenting on the injuries, Nienaber was unable to give return date for his stars: “In terms of the injuries, we will probably have more clarity in terms of the severity of the injuries by tomorrow. Obviously, those injured are not up for selection, but we should know by tomorrow how long they are out,” Nienaber told the media on Tuesday.

“We selected a team we thought would be best for this match given that we have several players out with injuries and with an eye on how we want to play,” said Nienaber.

“Handre, Lukhanyo, Elton and Pieter-Steph are all carrying injuries which adds to a list that includes Cheslin Kolbe and Sbu Nkosi, while Kurt-Lee Arendse is also out serving a suspension, and this has forced our hand to make a few changes in some positions.

“With both flyhalves injured, Damian was the natural choice at No 10 where he has slotted in for us a lot. He is also becoming a settled player in our team with over 20 test caps to his name.

Reports suggest that Am and Pollard could miss the remainder of the Rugby Championship and are expected to be sidelined for about six weeks. 

With the injuries and suspension to Kurt-Lee Arendse, 19-year-old Canan Moodie earns his first start on the right wing in a positional switch with Warrick Gelant, who has been named among the replacements.

“This will also be a great test for Canan, who was a stand-out player for the Vodacom Bulls this season in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. He’s a very talented player, who will enjoy this opportunity.” Nienaber said.