Etzebeth out of Italy clash

Editor

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: Eben Etzebeth of South Africa walks the pitch after an injury during the Old Mutual Wealth Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 12, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images,)

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will not be considered for the Springboks’ Test against Italy on Saturday.

Etzebeth won’t take part in the match after suffering a concussion when he collided with England number eight Billy Vunipola, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee said on Monday.

Coetzee confirmed that no replacement will be called up as the Springboks currently have sufficient lock cover. Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert are the other locks in the squad, while Teboho Mohoje and Willem Alberts have both provided cover in the lock position previously.

Bryan Habana, who did not play against England, had a full run at training on Monday and he will be available for selection, according to Coetzee.

Meanwhile, flanker Uzair Cassiem joined the squad on Sunday in Italy as replacement for Roelof Smit and he had his first training run with his team mates in the afternoon.