New Springbok number nine Jaden Hendrikse's time in green and gold has been cut short due to a tackle that resulted in a fractured leg during this past weekend's 29-10 win over Argentina at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium.
Replacement Hendrikse, who scored on his debut (see below) was tackled by Marcos Kremer after a clearing kick just seven minutes after coming on.
The officials reviewed the tackle but felt that Kremer was committed to the tackle, so there was no further action.
Hendrikse went off on a stretcher and it was today announced that he will withdraw from the squad and be replaced by Sharks scrumhalf Grant Williams, who will come in as injury cover.
Williams, who has made a strong statement on the field for the Cell C Sharks, joins Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies and Cobus Reinach as the scrumhalves in the squad.
De Klerk and Jantjies were both on the injury list in the last two weeks but are on track with their recovery from a leg strain and hip pointer niggle respectively and will be available for selection for the Tests against Australia and New Zealand.
“It is sad to lose a player like Jaden who was really beginning to find his feet in the system and starting to make his mark in Test rugby, but unfortunately injuries are part of the game,” said Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber.
“We are lucky to have a handful of talented scrumhalves in the country, and as coaches we have been impressed with Grant’s form this season.
“He will certainly benefit from being in the squad and being exposed to our structures and systems, and we are looking forward to seeing what he has to offer.”
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The Springboks, who will enjoy some time off for the next few days to freshen up mentally and physically following a jam-packed schedule in the last two-and-a-half months, will remain in Nelson Mandela Bay until SANZAAR announces where the remaining Castle Lager Rugby Championship fixtures will be hosted.
Hendrikse scored on his Springbok debut in round one of the Rugby Championship.
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