South Africa will finish the international calendar without one of its premier front-row players after Ox Nche sustained leg damage during a lopsided victory against Japan at Wembley Stadium. The 29-year-old prop departed the match within 20 minutes following contact with opposing captain Warner Dearns in the 61-7 triumph.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed the severity afterward, stating Nche injured both his ankle and knees in the tackle and would miss the remaining fixtures while using crutches. Gerhard Steenekamp entered as his replacement and delivered a strong scrummaging performance across more than 60 minutes in his first international appearance this year following his own recovery period.
Erasmus indicated that Asenathi Ntlabakanye could join the squad as additional coverage while Thomas du Toit might alternate between positions. Boan Venter, who earned his first cap earlier this year when Steenekamp was unavailable, represents another option. The coach acknowledged serious concerns if another injury occurs at loosehead despite having Venter, Steenekamp, du Toit, Wilco Louw, and Zach Portherin available. The world champions face upcoming matches without a player central to their dominant set-piece reputation.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed the severity afterward, stating Nche injured both his ankle and knees in the tackle and would miss the remaining fixtures while using crutches. Gerhard Steenekamp entered as his replacement and delivered a strong scrummaging performance across more than 60 minutes in his first international appearance this year following his own recovery period.
Erasmus indicated that Asenathi Ntlabakanye could join the squad as additional coverage while Thomas du Toit might alternate between positions. Boan Venter, who earned his first cap earlier this year when Steenekamp was unavailable, represents another option. The coach acknowledged serious concerns if another injury occurs at loosehead despite having Venter, Steenekamp, du Toit, Wilco Louw, and Zach Portherin available. The world champions face upcoming matches without a player central to their dominant set-piece reputation.
