Springboks receive major injury boost ahead of Greatest Rivalry finale in USA

Springboks receive major injury boost ahead of Greatest Rivalry finale in USA

Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that Damian Willemse, Handre Pollard, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie are all expected to be available for selection in Baltimore.

Willemse's early exit from Saturday's 33-26 victory in Cape Town initially sparked concern given the Springboks' growing list of backline injuries, but Erasmus revealed that the versatile back suffered only a grade-one hamstring strain.

"He pulled a hamstring, grade 1, so he should be on the plane on Sunday to Baltimore," Erasmus said.

Willemse will miss Saturday's third Test at FNB Stadium, but his expected return for the series finale is a major boost for Erasmus given his ability to cover fullback, wing and flyhalf at Test level.

The Bok coach also confirmed that Pollard, Williams and Moodie will join the squad for the flight to Baltimore on Sunday and will be ready for selection next weekend.

"Handre Pollard, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie will be on the plane to Baltimore," Erasmus said.

"They'll be ready for selection next week."

Pollard has been sidelined with a calf injury, allowing Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to start at flyhalf, with Manie Libbok providing cover from the bench.

Williams has also recovered from the grade-one hamstring injury he suffered in the opening Test defeat at Ellis Park, while Moodie has also returned to fitness after missing recent matches with a hamstring injury sustained against Argentina.

The quartet's return gives Erasmus significantly more options as the Springboks prepare for the fourth Test of a demanding series played across five weeks.

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