Johannesburg: A rib injury has ruled South Africa No. 8 Uzair Cassiem out of a Rugby Championship final-round Test against New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday, a team spokesman said.
The forward was forced to retire during the first half of a 27-27 draw with Australia in Bloemfontein this weekend — a result that ensured the All Blacks retained the title.
Jean-Luc du Preez replaced Cassiem, but his preferred position is flanker, and twin brother Daniel, a natural number eight, could be called up by coach Allister Coetzee.
Daniel du Preez, whose father Robert is a former Springboks scrum-half, has been in and out of the squad this season without getting a chance to play.
First-choice No. 8 and Springboks captain Warren Whiteley has been sidelined since suffering a groin injury in a June Test series against France.
The South African team doctor believes Whiteley will be fit for November tour matches in Ireland, France, Italy and Wales.
Meanwhile, Australia headed to Argentina for their final match while Rory Arnold, Lopeti Timani and Izaia Perese returned home having been released from the squad.
None of the trio were in the match day 23 against South Africa, with the draw leaving the Wallabies three points behind the Springboks in the chase for second place.
— AFP
