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Giant Bok midfielder Esterhuizen to miss Wales decider

By PA
(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Barbarians )

Harlequins centre Andre Esterhuizen has been ruled out of South Africa’s Test series decider against Wales after breaking his hand.

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Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids confirmed Esterhuizen’s injury, which happened during the 13-12 second Test defeat in Bloemfontein.

Esterhuizen is expected to be sidelined for four weeks, although South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber seemed set to recall Lukhanyo Am and Damian De Allende as his starting midfield combination for the Cape Town showdown next Saturday.

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“The plan, go to Cape Town, seal the series” – South Africa rugby back themselves for the final test

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“The plan, go to Cape Town, seal the series” – South Africa rugby back themselves for the final test

Nienaber names his team on Tuesday, and is expected to revert to the overwhelming majority of his first Test line-up after making 14 changes for Bloemfontein.

That should also see the likes of World Cup captain Siya Kolisi, wing Cheslin Kolbe and scrum-half Faf de Klerk returning as South Africa seek an immediate response.

Wales’ Bloemfontein triumph was their first victory over the Springboks in South Africa, and they are now chasing a series triumph that appeared way beyond them when they lost at home to Italy in March.

“It is always awful to lose a match in the Springbok jersey,” Davids told www.sarugby.co.za.

“This Saturday is a final for us, and we will select the best team that can achieve the results we would like this weekend.

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“We made a number of changes last week to expose players to the demands of Test rugby, and we believe we got a lot of answers and learned several lessons.

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“We know where we are now (in terms of our depth), and which players can play at this level.

“There are small margins and not a lot of opportunities in the opposition’s 22 in Test rugby, so decision-making in that area will be crucial and we have to make the most of the opportunities we create.

“They (Wales) are prepared to go to dark places to challenge you, and they present a massive challenge in stopping mauls and getting stuck into scrums.

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“So, we will have to impose ourselves for the full 80 minutes.”

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H
Hellhound 33 minutes ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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