Harlequins and South Africa centre Andre Esterhuizen sustained the injury during the Springboks 13-12 defeat against Wales in Bloemfontein.
“It happened in the warm-up – but I played the full game,” revealed Esterhuizen, who was speaking to Telegraph Sport.
“I just strapped it up and went on with it. I felt it a bit during the game but, yeah, I just pushed through.
“I knew it was broken before the game. My finger was just hanging and I couldn’t lift it. So I taped the two fingers together – and the hand, too.
“I got knocked with a tackle bag from the front as I passed the ball, but it just nicked my finger. Seven screws – which are still in there. They will stay there, probably forever. I was back training two weeks after the operation – but I’m ready to go now.”
JOE MARLER: DREAM TEAM
FRONT-ROW
1. Jason Leonard (England)
2. Rory Best (Ireland)
3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
Marler on Leonard: “My Idol – I still pinch myself when I’m in his company. A juggernaut on the pitch and a legendary drinker and socialiser off it.”
SECOND-ROW
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
