Cheslin Kolbe released from South Africa squad after injury blow

South Africa have been hit by a double injury blow ahead of their upcoming Test season with injuries to Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Kolbe was named in the initial 35-man squad named by Rassie Erasmus but now has been released as he is set to undergo a scan on his knee.

Arendse underwent an operation on Sunday after suffering a fractured cheekbone while playing for Bulls.

The news will be a big blow to Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, who will not have Europe bound players as the fixture falls outside the international window. Players from Bulls could also not be available for the encounter if Bulls manages to reach the final of the United Rugby Championship.

Meanwhile, Bulls back-row Celimpilo Gumede has been added to the squad and has joined them in the training session.

“Celimpilo has been playing impressive rugby this season and we are excited to see how he integrates in the squad and what he has to offer at training,” said Erasmus.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the Vodacom Bulls for allowing him to join us at short notice, especially at such an important point of their Vodacom URC season.”

South Africa training squad:

Forwards: Phepsi Buthelezi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Joseph Dweba, Ben-Jason Dixon (both DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Blu Revs), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers), Celimpilo Gumede (Vodacom Bulls)

Backs: Damian de Allende (Panasonic Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Hendrikse (Emirates Lions), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Emirates Lions), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks)