Springbok forwards coach Deon Davids has confirmed that Marco van Staden has joined the list of injured loose forwards after picking up a knock during the last minute of the first Test against Argentina.

The Springboks got their Rugby Championship campaign off to a flying start with a bonus-point 32-12 win against Argentina in Gqeberha this past Saturday, despite naming a much-changed starting lineup for the Test.

However, the team has something of a lengthy list of injured loose forwards, as assistant coach Davids provided an injury update during an online press conference on Monday morning.

Davids confirmed that Van Staden, who made a solid impact off the bench as a replacement on Saturday, will miss this Saturday’s second Test against Argentina.

Van Staden will join fellow loose forwards Rynhardt Elstadt and Duane Vermeulen on the sidelines, as those two players are still completing their rehab programmes from their respective injuries.

The Springboks did confirm on Sunday that Jean-Luc du Preez had joined the squad, but Davids said the Sale Sharks player was still recovering from a knee injury and would not be available this Saturday.

“We are a bit thin in terms of scrumhalves and loose forwards,” Davids said. “A couple of scrumhalves are struggling with injuries, that is why a guy like Jaden Hendrikse came in and got his first cap this weekend.

“This is also why Jean-Luc came in at loose forward, because we still have injuries to Duane. Marco picked up an injury in the last minute of the game. There are still other loose forwards who are injured, like Rynhardt Elstadt.

“So all of them are still busy with their rehab and will be available in the next couple of weeks, when we go on tour for our Tests against Australia and New Zealand.”

The Springboks take on Argentina again this Saturday in Gqeberha and will then have a short break before departing to face the Wallabies in Australia on 12 September.

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