Jesse Kriel took a knock to the head in the big win against France and may be forced to miss the second Test in Durban, reports JON CARDINELLI in Pretoria.

Kriel scored a crucial try for the Springboks in the 31st minute of the match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. In the second stanza, however, the Bok centre was on the receiving end when Henry Chavancy repelled his attempted tackle and left him prone on the turf.

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Kriel tried to get to his feet to rejoin the defensive line. After stumbling twice, he remained on the ground. He was subsequently helped from the field to be assessed for a head injury, and did not return.

After the match, Bok coach Allister Coetzee said that Kriel may have sustained a concussion.

‘I still need to check with the medical team, but it looks like Jesse has a concussion,' he said. 'If that is the case, we will need to go through all the protocols and cognitive testing [to determine his availability for the next Test].’

Damian de Allende and Lionel Mapoe missed the first Test at Loftus due to injuries. If neither recovers ahead of the second game at Kings Park, and Kriel is also ruled out, the Boks will be forced to make further changes in midfield.

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Photo: Anne Laing/HM Images