Springbok forward Oupa Mohoje was withdrawn from consideration for this Saturday’s Springbok Showdown after testing positive for Covid-19, although he is asymptomatic.
Springbok Green coach Mzwandile Stick was forced to make three changes to his match-day squad for the clash after Mohoje was withdrawn as a precautionary measure.
Trevor Nyakane (prop) was also withdrawn from the squad after being in close contact with his former Cheetahs teammate.
Furthermore, former Junior Springbok utility back Mnombo Zwelendaba was ruled out due to a hip injury.
As a result, three young guns have been called into the Springbok Gold team – Kwenzo Blose (prop), Kade Wolhuter (flyhalf) and JJ van der Mescht (lock). All three players have been named on the bench.
Talking about the news on Wednesday, Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi said it was unfortunate, but reiterated how careful the players were when it came to taking all safety precautions.
‘Everyone is wearing masks, sanitising, social distancing. All the balls are sanitised, and so there are real high levels of precautions. It’s unfortunate to hear about Oupa, but everyone is doing everything they can to keep safe and comply.’
