Erasmus confirms Bok star ruled out of final All Blacks Test
INJURY UPDATE: The Springboks will be without one of their biggest match-winners for the final Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry after Rassie Erasmus confirmed Cheslin Kolbe has been ruled out of next weekend’s series decider against the All Blacks in Baltimore.
Kolbe’s tour came to a painful end after the winger suffered a broken jaw just nine minutes into Saturday’s clash in Soweto, forcing him off the field while the All Blacks were camped deep inside the Springboks’ 22.
The injury is a significant blow for South Africa after Kolbe produced a man-of-the-match display in Cape Town a week earlier to help the Springboks level the four-Test series.
Speaking to the media in Johannesburg before the squad departed for the United States, Erasmus confirmed the diagnosis.
“Cheslin broke his jaw,” Erasmus said.
The Springbok coach also revealed several players will not travel with the side on the 02.00 am flight to Baltimore on Sunday morning.
“Damian Willemse will be ready for next week, so will Aphelele Fassi.
“Carlu Sadie, Boan Venter and Ntuthuko Mchunu will all be staying behind with Cheslin, as well as Ben-Jason Dixon, who still has concussion symptoms.”
Kolbe’s absence opens the door for Herschel Jantjies to join the touring squad, while Erasmus said Grant Williams’ versatility gives the Springboks another option out wide.
“With Cheslin staying home, Herschel is flying with us. Canan Moodie is now getting fit too, and Grant will cover the wing too.”
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