Rassie Erasmus provides positive update on Ox Nche but won't risk star prop

The Sharks man was worryingly taken off early into their 29-20 win at the Allianz Stadium, but boss Erasmus has revealed it is not as bad as first feared.

Speaking to the media after the game, Erasmus detailed his star prop suffered a "deep cut", rather than anything more serious.

"It's a cut above the knee, it's not the knee itself which is positive, but it's quite a deep cut." Erasmus said. "It's something very similar to what he had against New Zealand, when he had the cut just above the knee."

He also added that Nche "isn't injured", but wouldn't risk him against Wales if there was any potential for the cut to reopen.

"I'm not a medical doctor or not a doctor at all, but I think it just depends on how quickly the stitches go, but it's not in the knee, he's not injured, it's just above the knee," he said. "Hopefully we won't be without him again, but we won't risk him if that thing is going to open again, but it's not the knee, it's a cut."

The Sharks prop has long been a regular feature in Erasmus' side since he took over in 2018, but this season has become the nailed-on starter at loosehead for the Springboks.

He has featured in all but one of South Africa's 11 Tests in 2024, starting nine of them in the process.

If he were to be unavailable for their next game with Wales, it would present a decent chance for Gerhard Steenekamp to get a start. Bath ace Thomas du Toit is also a potential option to slot into the shirt, given he can also play loosehead and impressed against Scotland.

South Africa now prepare to take on Wales in their final Test of 2024 and will be looking for a repeat of their heavy 41-13 win in June.

READ MORE: Springbok quartet nominated for 2024 World Rugby Awards