JOHANNESBURG - South Africa tighthead prop Julian Redelinghuys has been ruled out of a Rugby Championship second-round Test in Argentina next Saturday because of a hamstring injury.
South Africa tighthead prop Julian Redelinghuys (C,L) tackles Eben Etsebeth (R) during a Springbok training session in Stellenbosch, near Cape Town on 30 May, 2016
Redelinghuys' first start for the Springboks was cut short this weekend when he was forced to retire injured during the first half of a home victory over the Pumas.
The 26-year-old forward is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, making him also unavailable for away internationals against Australia and world champions New Zealand.
"Losing Julian is a massive blow because it comes at a time when he is playing really good rugby," said coach Allister Coetzee.
"Vincent Koch did extremely well when he came on as a replacement and the injury to Julian presents him with an ideal opportunity."
Trevor Nyakane, who can prop at loosehead or tighthead, has been passed fit to travel in a 27-man squad after missing the first Test against Argentina.
South Africa overcame a 10-point deficit with 10 minutes left to win the Championship opener 30-23 in Nelspruit Saturday.
Squad
Forwards (16): Lourens Adriaanse, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Jaco Kriel, Francois Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Teboho 'Oupa' Mohoje, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss (capt), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Warren Whiteley
Backs (11): Damian de Allende, Ruan Combrinck, Johan Goosen, Bryan Habana, Elton Jantjies, Juan de Jongh, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Lionel Mapoe, Rudy Paige, Morne Steyn
Coach: Allister Coetzee