Asenathi Ntlabakanye joins the Springbok squad as a replacement for injured Ox Nche
Ntlabakanye, who made his Test debut in July against Italy, was called up on Sunday after Nche sustained an injury during the Springboks’ 61-7 victory over Japan at Wembley Stadium.
The prop scored a try for the Barbarians prior to joining the Springboks, where he participated in a match against the All Blacks XV at Twickenham on Saturday. Ntlabakanye promptly departed for France with the team a few hours after arriving in London.
Nche left the field in the 18th minute of the game against Japan and has returned to South Africa for scans to evaluate his injury.
“We feel for Ox, and we wish him all the best with his injury and recovery,” said Erasmus.
Erasmus added that losing a player like Nche is challenging, but expressed confidence in Ntlabakanye's readiness to take on the role, having been a part of the team for much of the season and familiar with their systems.
The Springboks will commence on-field preparations for their upcoming match at Stade de France starting Monday.
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