Springbok scrumhalf Ross Cronjé has been ruled out of the third and final Test against France in Johannesburg this Saturday due to delayed concussion symptoms.

Cronjé sustained a head knock in the second Test in Durban last Saturday and did not train with the squad on Monday. 

The Lions star made his South African debut two weeks ago in Pretoria, and followed up on his impressive performance with another very good showing at Kings Park, where the Springboks clinched the three-match series.

'Ross showed delayed symptoms of concussion on Monday and he will not be able to get through the recovery protocols in time for him to be considered for selection,' team doctor Konrad von Hagen explained. 'We withdrew him from training yesterday and he will rest for the duration of the week.'

Rudy Paige and Francois Hougaard will provide the Springboks with sufficient cover for this coming weekend, with the latter likely to start at No 9.

Meanwhile, Lionel Mapoe and Francois Venter were released back to the South Africa A side for their second match against the French Barbarians at the Orlando Stadium on Friday night, with Jesse Kriel set to start at outside centre for the Boks.

Photo: Anne Laing/HM Images