Vic the only casualty; Jean on track

South African captain Jean de Villiers remains on track to lead his country in the opening round of the Rugby Championship – against Argentina at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Team doctor Craig Roberts revealed on Monday, a media briefing at the team's base in Pretoria, that lock Victor Matfield is the only "serious" casualty.

However, the Springbok stalwart was said to be recovering well.

"The one issue was of course is Victor Matfield, who tweaked his knee," Roberts told a media scrum.

"He had scans and saw an orthopaedic specialist and he responded well to rest and rehab," the doctor added.

"We were a bit concerned that he might have to have a scope to clean out that little bit of cartilage. We will reassess him next week and see if he is available for the overseas leg against Argentina."

Lock Eben Etzebeth and prop Frans Malherbe, who were released to play for Western Province in their Currie Cup match against the EP Kings last Friday, have both come through the weekend unscathed and are available for selection ahead of the Test against the Pumas.

The Springbok captain, De Villiers, was still recovering from a knee injury, but Roberts said his rehabilitation was progressing well and he should lead the national side out onto the field.

Van Graan said the loss of Matfield, however, was a major blow to the team, not only in the line-outs but in other facets of play as well, he said.

He was, however, optimistic about Matfield's possible replacements in the second row – where they have been prepared to make the calls in the line-outs.

"Victor is probably the best lock that has ever played the game, so it is obviously a huge setback. He not only calls the line-outs but brings organisation around the field on defence and on attack," Van Graan said.

"I can't wait for the next guy to get an opportunity. We've worked hard on Lodewyk de Jager and Eben Etzebeth, on their calling.

"We also worked on it during the June internationals on Lood [de Jager] and Duane Vermeulen, so whoever gets selected will make the calls."

SAPA