Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that utility Cheslin Kolbe suffered a broken jaw in Saturday’s third Test against the All Blacks at the Calabash in Soweto.
The Springboks fought back from 12-5 down to defeat the All Blacks 29-25 in a riveting encounter, with the result putting them 2-1 up in the four-Test series. The fourth and final match will be played will Baltimore in the United States, where New Zealand will aim to tie the series, while South Africa will look to clinch a series victory.
However, if the Springboks were to get that desired result, they would have to do so without Kolbe, who started at fullback on Saturday.
Kolbe was subbed off in the 10th minute of the game and replaced by Manie Libbok. It was initially believed he had only gone off for an Head Injury Assessment (HIA), but when he failed to make a reappearance throughout the 80 minutes, it was confirmed his injury was of serious nature.
Following the four-point win, Erasmus confirmed in his post-match press conference that Kolbe broke his jaw.
“Cheslin broke his jaw, so the guys staying behind will be Carlu Sadie, Boan Venter, Ben-Jason Dixon and Ntuthuko Mchunu,” Erasmus revealed.
“Herschel Jantjies would have stayed home, but because of Cheslin’s injury he will travel with us as a scrumhalf. Grant [Williams] will cover wing.”
In more positive news, the Bok boss marked several of his other previously injured stars ready and available for selection.
“Damian Willemse and Canan [Moodie] will be ready next week, Aphelele [Fassi] is ready, Quan Horn is going with [to Baltimore] as well and Handre Pollard is 100%.”
ALL BLACKS ALSO COUNTING THE COST OF CRUNCH CLASH
Meanwhile, All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has also confirmed the loss of their captain Ardie Savea for the remainder of series.
Savea left the field clutching his shoulder, which Rennie has now revealed is fractured.
Additionally, centre Quinn Tupea torn his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
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