Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth sat out training after he suffered a calf injury in Durban on Monday.

The 23-year-old felt discomfort in his calf and was immediately pulled from the practice session, said team doctor Craig Roberts. 

However, Roberts quelled any fears that the injury might put Etzebeth's World Cup participation at risk.

'He had scans on Tuesday, which revealed a grade-one strain. He has already started with his rehabilitation and we’re confident that he will be ready for the start of the World Cup,' Roberts confirmed.

In other injury news, Duane Vermeulen, Jean de Villiers, Jannie du Plessis, Fourie du Preez and Francois Louw all started to train with the rest of the squad on Tuesday. Coach Heyneke Meyer believes the entire group will be ready for selection for the first game against Japan on 19 September.

'Although we suffered a high number of injuries during the Rugby Championship, the medical staff have worked very hard to bring the injured players back to match fitness,' said Meyer.

'It was also remarkable to see the brilliant attitude of the players. They worked incredibly hard over the last two months and I’m pleased to say that our general fitness levels have improved considerably.'

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