Winger Bryan Habana and No.8 Duane Vermeulen are injury concerns for the Springboks going into Sunday's Rugby Championship match against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Bryan Habana of the Springboks is tackled by Scott Fardy of the Wallabies. September 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Habana suffered a head injury and left the field at halftime with symptoms of concussion in last weekend's game against the Wallabies in Cape Town, and Vermeulen's match ended midway through the second half when he injured a rib cartilege.
Springboks team doctor Craig Roberts says Habana developed some symptoms of concussion at the break and he will need to follow the standard post-concussion return-to-play protocol before being considered for the Test at Ellis Park.
Roberts says Vermeulen was unable to carry on due to discomfort. He's responded well to treatment, but they'll still manage him through training this week before making a final call.
Coach Heyneke Meyer is due to name his team Wednesday night.
The All Blacks secured the Rugby Championship last weekend with their 34-13 win in Argentina.
The All Blacks have 21 points with one round to play, the Springboks 15, the Wallabies 10 and the Pumas three.
The only All Blacks concern this week is lock Brodie Retallick, who will also have to go through concussion protocols this week.
