Major blow for Springboks as Willemse is ruled out of final Pumas Test

The Springboks received a major blow ahead of Saturday's final Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Durban after flyhalf Damian Willemse was ruled out with concussion.

Springbok management confirmed on Monday that Willemse will return to his franchise, the Stormers, to follow the prescribed return to play protocols. He was injured in last Saturday's 36-20 win over the Pumas in Buenos Aires.

Willemse's absence leaves the Boks short at flyhalf, with Frans Steyn the only recognised No 10 left in the squad. Handre Pollard is out injured and Elton Jantjies is also not available after being released from the squad following rumours of an affair with team dietician Zeenat Simjee. 

The Boks did not call-up a new flyhalf on Monday, but did recall wingers Sbu Nkosi and Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Nkosi has recovered from the ankle injury that ruled him out of Test action in 2022, while Arendse is back after serving a four-game suspension for a dangerous tackle in South Africa's 26-10 win over New Zealand at Mbombela Stadium.

Elsewhere, four players - Joseph Dweba (hooker), Warrick Gelant (utility back), Elrigh Louw (loose forward) and Salmaan Moerat (lock) - have been released to their respective franchises to allow them to get valuable game time ahead of South Africa's year-end European tour.

"We have been pretty unlucky on wing in the last few months in terms of injuries, which has forced our hand at giving players such as Kurt-Lee and Canan (Moodie) a chance at international level, and we are pleased with the depth we are now building as we get closer toward the Rugby World Cup next year," said Bok coach Jacques Nienaber.

"Kurt-Lee had a great debut and played very well against the All Blacks, but he was unfortunately banned, and we are