Bok coach Nienaber has grim outlook on Lood de Jager's shoulder injury: 'It's not looking good'

In Dublin

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber had a grim outlook on lock Lood de Jager's injury that he sustained in Saturday's 19-16 loss against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

De Jager, who has a history of shoulder and pectoral muscle injuries, left the field with his right arm in a makeshift sling in the 35th minute.

He was replaced by Franco Mostert, who should, under all intents and purposes, start next week's Test against France in Marseilles.

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The Boks still have Salman Moerat, Marvin Orie, and Jason Jenkins in their lock stocks, but Nienaber wasn't positive with regards to De Jager's availability prospects.

"We haven't decided yet and the doctor (Jerome Mampane) will still go through the team. If there are injuries, that'll change who is going to Marseilles and who stays," Nienaber said.

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"With Lood, I don't know, but he's not looking good. I don't think it's possible."

Mostert hoped that De Jager's injury isn't one that'll lead to a long-term absence.

"I hope Lood is ok because shoulder injuries are tough, especially with the one that he's got," Mostert said.

"I hope the scans and stuff won't be as we think it is right now, but I hope we can regroup as a team."