Springboks Injury Boost As Damian Willemse, Handré Pollard And Grant Williams Return

• Damian Willemse was ruled out of the third Test at FNB Stadium after suffering a hamstring injury in Cape Town
• Handré Pollard and Grant Williams also missed selection for the Johannesburg clash after picking up injuries earlier in the series
• Coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed all three players are expected to be available for the series finale in Baltimore on 12 September

The Springboks are set to receive a significant injection of experience for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series finale in Baltimore, with Rassie Erasmus confirming that three injured players are on track to make the trip to the United States.

Damian Willemse was forced off at half-time during the Boks' 33-26 victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town after pulling a grade one hamstring. The fullball will miss the third Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg this coming Saturday, with Cheslin Kolbe moving from the right wing to cover the position and Kurt-Lee Arendse recalled to the starting line-up.

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Erasmus delivers Willemse update

Speaking on Monday, Erasmus moved to ease concerns around the severity of Willemse's injury.

"He pulled a hamstring, grade one, so he should be on the plane on Sunday to Baltimore," the coach said.

Flyhalf Handré Pollard faced his own setbacks during the series, initially named to start the second Test before a calf injury ended his involvement. He was unavailable again for the Johannesburg fixture, where Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu kept the number 10 jersey.

Scrumhalf Grant Williams has been sidelined since sustaining an ankle injury in the series opener at Ellis Park, while utility back Canan Moodie has yet to feature in the competition after suffering a hamstring injury during the Argentina match.

As seen in the X post below.

All three set for Baltimore

Erasmus confirmed that the return of all three players is expected ahead of the final Test on 12 September.

"Handré, Grant and Canan will be on the plane to Baltimore," he said.

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"They'll be ready for selection next week."

The news provides a timely boost for the Springboks heading into the decisive fourth encounter, with the coaching staff now having a fuller squad to choose from as they look to close out the series in the United States.

Ardie Savea makes frank admission after Springboks defeat

Briefly News previously reported that All Blacks captain Ardie Savea had opened up about New Zealand’s latest defeat to the Springboks.

His comments offered insight into the All Blacks’ response ahead of another important encounter with their long-time rivals.

Source: Briefly News