"Worrying" - Cheslin Kolbe stood down with immediate effect

The speedster was left out of South Africa’s matchday 23 for Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash in Cape Town after picking up an injury during the 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park.

Erasmus initially suggested Kolbe had simply been struggling with cramp, but the Springbok boss has now confirmed there are concerns over both his leg and ankle.

“With Cheslin, it was more than just cramps, so he’s an amber at this stage,” said Erasmus.

“It’s not even the hamstring anymore now, it’s a bit of the ankle as well.”

However, the double Rugby World Cup-winning coach has not completely ruled out making a late change if Kolbe recovers quicker than expected.

“It might be a late change with Cheslin,” Erasmus added. “If he really recovers well, we might make a change there, but at this stage I don’t think it will be.”

Kolbe is not Erasmus’ only injury concern following the opening Test.

Canan Moodie suffered a hamstring injury, while scrum-half Grant Williams picked up an ankle problem.

Loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon is also unavailable after developing concussion symptoms, leaving Erasmus with several fitness concerns as the Springboks look to level the series in Cape Town.