'Experienced campaigners' to fill in for Lood

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids is confident that he has world-class replacements for lock Lodewyk de Jager.

De Jager suffered a should injury in his team's 16-19 defeat to Ireland.

He left the field with his arm in a makeshift sling in that match in Dublin.

"Lood has a shoulder injury and won’t be available for selection this week," said Davids.

"He left this [Monday] morning for another consultation.

"We have to wait on the outcome of the scan to determine the seriousness of the injury."

The story continues below...

With De Jager out, Franco Mostert is expected to partner Eben Etzebeth in the second row against France.

"We know that Lood is a quality player and as a No.5 lock and we will feel that loss," Davids added.

"Luckily, we got experienced campaigners here in Franco Mostert and Marvin Orie who are available to slot into that position.

"They are familiar with Test rugby and it is their opportunity now.

"It is a void that we have to fill and those two guys are quite capable of doing that."

@rugby365com