Makazole Mapimpi joins Springbok squad after injury setbacks

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has called up experienced winger Makazole Mapimpi for the second Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Cape Town this weekend.

The squad has been hit with major injury concerns. Captain Siya Kolisi has been sidelined with a knee injury, while Kurt-Lee Arendse is also out after suffering a knee issue.

Both players are expected to be unavailable for the next few weeks, adding to an already worrying list of absentees.

To strengthen the backline, Erasmus turned to Mapimpi, a double Rugby World Cup winner with 47 Test caps. Known for his pace and finishing ability, Mapimpi will join his teammates in Cape Town and is expected to bring leadership and attacking power as the Springboks aim to recover from their opening-round defeat.

While there is still depth in the loose forward department, the injuries to Kolisi and Arendse forced Erasmus to rethink his combinations. The return of seasoned campaigners like Cheslin Kolbe and Damian de Allende offers some relief, but the coach admitted that team balance will need fine-tuning.