Pieter-Steph du Toit to spend time on sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery

South Africa lock Pieter-Steph du Toit is set to spend considerable amount of time on the sidelines after undergoing a surgery on his injured shoulder.

Du Toit, who was awarded Men's World Rugby Player of the Year in 2019 helping his side to a World Cup triumph sustained the blow during the second Test in the recently concluded series against the British and Irish Lions.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber confirmed that the 28-year-old has gone under the knife on Monday and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

“I would be lying if I put a time frame on his return because I am not sure‚” said Nienaber.

“Pieter-Steph had surgery on Monday. I spoke to him briefly and he said it went well. I think he’s going to be out for some time.”

Meanwhile, Nienaber also revealed that Duane Vermeulen, who is recovering from a knee injury is making good progress.

Earlier, South Africa confirmed the matchday squad for the Rugby Championship opener against Argentina with Nienaber making 12 changes from the third and deciding Test against the Lions which they won 19-16 with only Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Japer Wiese and Cobus Reinach retaining their places in the starting XV.