Rassie Erasmus Confirms Damian Willemse Injury Blow Before 3rd All Blacks Test
- Rassie Erasmus has revealed a significant setback following the Springboks’ dramatic victory, with the latest development raising questions ahead of the next Test
- South Africa walked away from the Cape Town thriller with the result it wanted, but there was more to the night than the final score suggested
- The Springboks now face a fresh selection puzzle at a crucial stage of the All Blacks series, with Erasmus having little time to find his solution
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Rassie Erasmus has been left with an early selection headache for the Soweto showdown after the Springboks’ dramatic victory over the All Blacks came at a cost. The Springbok coach has confirmed that Damian Willemse will miss the 3rd Test after suffering a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 33-26 win in Cape Town.
The fullback was forced from the field during the final play of the first half at DHL Stadium, with Manie Libbok taking over after the break.
Erasmus confirmed the setback after the match.
“Damian Willemse? Ja, he’s injured his hamstring, he’s out for next week,” Erasmus said, as reported by SA Rugby Magazine.
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Springboks face another selection decision
The injury leaves Erasmus with a backline decision to make before the teams meet again in Soweto. Willemse had started at fullback in the first two Tests.
Libbok stepped into the role after Saturday’s injury. However, Erasmus has several options available as he considers his team for the next encounter.
The result in Cape Town was significant for South Africa. The Springboks levelled the four-Test series at 1-1 after recovering from their opening defeat.
The official Springboks report noted that South Africa led 24-14 at half-time before securing the 33-26 victory in front of 56,589 spectators.
3rd Test carries major significance
The Soweto encounter gives both teams an opportunity to move ahead in the series. This makes Erasmus’ selection decision particularly important.
For now, Willemse’s absence is confirmed. The focus will shift to who replaces him when the Springboks announce their team.
Below are the highlights from the second test.
Rassie Erasmus sends warning ahead of Soweto Test
Briefly News previously reported that Rassie Erasmus had a strong message for the All Blacks after South Africa’s dramatic victory in Cape Town.
The Springbok coach also opened up about the pressure surrounding the series and revealed what he believes could make the next encounter even more difficult for his team.
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Source: Briefly News
