South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus confirmed that Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is expected to be sidelined for up to 10 days with a shoulder injury.

Etzebeth departed from the playing area during the 26th minute of the match, which resulted in an 18-3 triumph for his team against Scotland in Marseille. This encounter served as the inaugural fixture for both teams in Pool B, taking place on a Sunday.

“We’re waiting for the scan,” said Erasmus. “I’m sure we’ll have 100 percent clarity later this evening.

“It will still be a blow not to have him train for seven to 10 days.”

On Sunday, South Africa will engage in the defence of their World Cup title against Romania in Bordeaux. However, Erasmus has stated that Etzebeth’s exclusion from the game was already predetermined.

“But we would have expected him to have trained fully.”

Etzebeth commenced his role as a lock position in conjunction with Franco Mostert during the match against the Scottish team, subsequently being substituted by RG Snyman.

In South Africa’s squad, Jean Kleyn and Marvin Orie serve as the additional second-row forwards.

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