Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard is unlikely to feature in his side's end-of-year tour to Europe next month, where Tests against Ireland, Italy, France and England await.
The 28-year-old playmaker limped off on his debut for his new club, Leicester Tigers, two weeks ago, and he has since undergone a knee operation that is looking increasingly to rule him out for the remainder of the year.
It is a massive blow for the Boks, who also have regular second-choice pivot Elton Jantjies out. "Handre had an operation after the Tigers game, and obviously, he is in rehab now.
I think, given the latest news that I have on him, it will be tough to make the tour," said Nienaber addressing the media on Tuesday."In saying that, things can happen, but I think he's still on his way to return, and I think it will be a tough one for him to make the tour."It is expected that Damian Willemse will continue taking on the flyhalf duties, while a fit-again Johan Goosen could provide backup.