Prop Ntlabakanye joins Bok squad as injury replacement for Nche ahead of France Test

Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye joined the Springbok squad on Sunday as a replacement for Ox Nche, who was injured during the team’s 61-7 victory against Japan at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Ntlabakanye, who made his Test debut in July against Italy In the Castle Lager Incoming Series after playing for the Boks for the first time against the Barbarians in June, was later withdrawn from the squad to tour New Zealand with doping charges hanging over his head.

However, he was later cleared to return to action until the hearing is finalised, and was selected to represent the Barbarians in their clash against the All Blacks XV at Twickenham on Saturday. He left with the Bok squad for France a few hours later.

The powerful prop scored a try for the Barbarians in the second minute as they lost 33-19.

Nche was forced to leave the field in the 18th minute against Japan on Saturday, and returned to South Africa on Sunday, where he will undergo scans to determine the extent of his injury.

“We feel for Ox, and we wish him all the best with his injury and recovery,” said Erasmus.

“It’s always tough to lose a player of his calibre, but Asenathi is a capped Springbok and he has been with us for a large part of the season, so he is familiar with our structures and systems.

“Adding to that, he was on our standby list for the tour, so there was always a chance he would be called up if we suffered an injury. Fortunately, he was in London already, so he arrived at the team hotel this morning and will be able to slot back into action immediately, which is fantastic for us.”

The Springboks will begin preparations for Saturday’s match at Stade de France on Monday.