The injury-hit Springboks have recalled their Japan-based flanker Schalk Burger as the replacement for the injured Francois Louw in the South African squad for their final two Rugby Championship Tests.
Springbok loose forward Schalk Burger Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Louw is expected to be out for about two months with a neck injury, dealing the Springboks a blow ahead of matches against the Wallabies on September 27 in Cape Town and the All Blacks on October 4 in Johannesburg.
The team's other first choice flanker Willem Alberts was injured on the eve of the first-round match against Argentina in Pretoria last month and hasn't played since.
Burger will join the Boks squad in Capetown after playing for his Japanese club Suntory tomorrow.
The All Blacks lead the Rugby Championship by six points from South Africa and Australia.
Springbok flanker Francois Louw Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Louw has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby Championship with a pinched nerve in his neck.
The Springboks flanker picked up the injury during last Saturday's Test against New Zealand in Wellington and the extent of the injury was confirmed after Louw went for scans and saw a specialist in Durban.
According to Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts, Louw will be out of action for approximately eight weeks and may be fit for the European Tour in November.
A decision on a replacement for Louw in the 30-man Springbok squad will be made in the coming day or two.
Springbok halfback Ruan Pienaar Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Meanwhile halfback Ruan Pienaar will be out of action for approximately four to six weeks with a medial collateral ligament sprain.
Louw and Pienaar will join a long list of injured players on the sidelines: Frans Malherbe, Coenie Oosthuizen, Flip van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Willem Alberts, Arno Botha, Pierre Spies, Fourie du Preez and Jaque Fourie.
