Statement: Springboks star stood down with immediate effect

South Africa bounced back from defeat in the opening Test with a hard-fought 33-26 victory on Saturday, levelling the four-match series at 1-1.

The Springboks were outscored four tries to three, but Cheslin Kolbe proved decisive from the tee, converting all three South African tries and adding four penalties.

It was a far more clinical display from Erasmus’ side, who made the most of their opportunities to ensure they head to Soweto with the series finely poised.

However, the victory came at a cost.

Willemse suffered the injury during the closing stages of the first half after getting his positioning wrong while attempting a tackle.

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner remained on the turf receiving medical attention as the players headed down the tunnel at half-time.

Although Willemse was eventually able to leave the field, he did not return for the second half.

Manie Libbok was introduced at fly-half, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu shifting across to cover fullback.

Speaking after the match, Erasmus confirmed the early diagnosis was a hamstring injury and effectively ruled Willemse out of the third Test.

“Damian Willemse? Yeah, he’s injured his hamstring, he’s out for next week,” Erasmus said.

It leaves Erasmus with another selection decision to make ahead of the third instalment of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu's ability to cover fullback gives the Springboks one option, while Erasmus could also reshuffle his backline as South Africa look to take a 2-1 series lead.

The Springboks and All Blacks meet again in Soweto next Saturday before the four-Test series reaches its conclusion.

But how many of their last 25 captains can you remember? Test your rugby knowledge and see if you can name every player to have led the Springboks in their most recent appearances.