Springbok prop Thomas du Toit was en route from France to Nagoya, Japan, on Monday after being called up as an injury replacement for the injured Trevor Nyakane.

The 24-year-old Sharks prop replaces the unfortunate Nyakane, who tore his right calf in the 23-13 defeat by New Zealand in Yokohama on Saturday.

Du Toit, who was on a short-term loan to Toulouse, was on standby and had been involved in preparations right up until the team’s departure for Japan.

He is expected to join the squad in Nagoya on Tuesday afternoon.

‘It’s very tough on Trevor,’ said Rassie Erasmus. ‘He has had a great season and added value whenever he took the field. It’s a blow to him and the team, but it’s also an opportunity for Thomas and for Vincent [Koch] who now have the chance to step up.’

The Springboks continue their World Cup campaign against neighbours Namibia in Nagoya on Saturday (kick-off 11:45am SA time).

Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix