South Africa suffered a major setback on the first day of preparations for the November tour of Ireland and England when loose forward Pedrie Wannenburg was ruled out because of a wrist injury.
The Blue Bulls flanker started training in Johannesburg with his teammates on Friday but was quickly removed from the practice because of the injury, which was picked up during last weekend’s 28-28 Currie Cup final draw against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
The 25-year-old, who has played 16 Tests for South Africa, will undergo surgery on Monday.
The Springboks play Ireland in Dublin on November 11 and England in London on November 18 and 25.
They end their tour with a match against the World XV in Leicester on December 3, a celebration match marking 100 years of the Springboks touring side.
Team management said they have no immediate plans to replace Wannenburg.
The remaining loose forwards are Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Jacques Cronje and debutant Hilton Lobberts. Danie Rossouw, a regular second-row forward, can also play on the side of the scrum. The favourite to take Wannenburg’s place is Golden Lions captain Wikus van Heerden.
The Boks depart South Africa on November 4. — Sapa-AFP