South Africa suffer Jaco Kriel blow ahead of clash against All Blacks

South Africa will miss the services of flanker Jaco Kriel for the all-important Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand following a shoulder injury.

The two teams will face each other at QBE Stadium on Saturday with the top position at stake. A win for Steve Hansen's men will strengthen their chances of winning the championship while South Africa will be desperate to prevent the back to back world champions from emerging victorious and maintain their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

Kriel has played all 80 minutes in the three games in the tournament so far and was also one of the two try-scorer for the Springboks in the game against Australia which ended in a 23-23 draw.

The 28-year-old complained of a shoulder problem following the game at NIB Stadium last weekend and underwent a scan on Monday that revealed a labrum tear, forcing him to head back to his home in South Africa to undergo rehabilitation.

The South Africa management has not named any replacement for Kriel but Jean-Luc du Preez, who was among the replacements in the game against Wallabies is likely to return to the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Wilco Louw, who was named as a replacement for the injured Coenie Oosthuize has joined the squad in Auckland on Monday night.

Jaco Kriel has a shoulder injury and is out of Saturday's Test against the @AllBlacks - he will return to SA, no replacement called up. pic.twitter.com/VffRErTS98

— South African Rugby (@Springboks) September 12, 2017