Thomas du Toit will make a mad dash from France to replace prop Trevor Nyakane in South Africa’s Rugby World Cup squad after the latter tore his calf in Saturday’s opening 23-13 loss to New Zealand in Yokohama.
Nyakane, who recently made the switch from loose-head to tight-head prop, lasted just 21 minutes as a replacement in the Pool B defeat before needing to be helped from the field in obvious discomfort.
Trevor Nyakane out of RWC, replaced by Thomas du Toit.
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 23, 2019
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“It’s very tough on Trevor,” Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said. “He has had a great season and added value whenever he took the field.
“It’s a blow to him and the team, but it’s also an opportunity for Thomas and Vincent [Koch], who now have the chance to step up.”
The Boks are next in action against neighbours Namibia in Toyota City on Saturday.