Top Springbok performer forced to leave team camp

For this Sunday’s Test against Scotland, towering lock Ruan Nortje was expected to start his sixth Test of the year in what has been a breakthrough season for the 26-year-old.

However, it has now been revealed that he suffered a leg injury at training on Wednesday, which has ruled him out of the entire Outgoing Tour.

The injury has resulted in a call-up for Jean Kleyn, who earned his seventh Test cap for the Springboks in the RWC final against New Zealand in France last year.

The 31-year-old returns to the national team for the first time this season after making a return to the United Rugby Championship in September for Irish club Munster following a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an eye injury.

Kleyn’s international experience with five Test matches to his name for Ireland and seven for the Springbok as well as a RWC title, adds valuable experience to the Bok lock stocks for the tour, where he joins the likes of RG Snyman, Franco Mostert and Eben Etzebeth.

“It’s sad to lose Ruan to injury, as he’s had a fantastic season and really made a strong statement after injuries initially prompted his call-up to the squad,” said Erasmus. “He certainly grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and we wish him luck with his recovery.”

Erasmus added: “Ruan’s injury opens the door for Jean to make a return to the national squad for the first time this season, and judging by his performances for Munster since making a comeback to the Vodacom URC combined with his familiarity of our structures and being a regular in our team last season, we are excited to welcome him back.

“He’s also played with most of the players in the squad and is familiar with the conditions in the UK as he’s based in Ireland, so he should slot in with ease.”

Erasmus will name his matchday team to face Scotland on Friday.

Updated Springbok squad for the Outgoing Tour:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).

Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Jean Kleyn (Munster), RG Snyman (Leinster).

Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).

Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Flyhalves: Jordan Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls)