Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has bolstered his squad with the recall of experienced winger Makazole Mapimpi ahead of South Africa’s final Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Australia in Cape Town on Saturday.
This follows the injuries to captain Siya Kolisi and dynamic back Kurt-Lee Arendse, both of whom picked up knocks during last weekend’s 38-22 defeat to the Wallabies. The pair are set to be sidelined for a few weeks, leaving Erasmus to adjust his plans for the decisive encounter.
Although the Bok camp remains well stocked in the loose forward department, Erasmus opted to call on Mapimpi as additional backline cover. The double Rugby World Cup winner, who has 47 Test caps to his name, is expected to add valuable experience and composure to the squad. He is set to link up with his teammates in Cape Town on Monday night.
Mapimpi’s inclusion is seen as a timely reinforcement, with the Springboks eager to bounce back from their defeat and close off the Rugby Championship on a strong note in front of home supporters at the DHL Stadium.
The clash against Australia kicks off at 17:10 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.