Etzebeth back in doubt for Scottish test

While it appeared Eben Etzebeth was set to make a full return to training this week, the number four has still not been cleared fit to play against Scotland this Saturday.

Etzebeth suffered a foot injury in the Springboks opening tour match against England, subsequently missing their victory over France this past weekend

Reports earlier in the week indicated that Warren Whiteley would most likely miss out on the game due to a calf injury, Etzebeth would be returning and Vincent Koch and Frans Malherbe had “bumps” but should be good too play.

However on Tuesday SA Rugby released a statement saying that a decision on Etzebeth’s fitness would only be made later in the week.

Should Etzebeth not be cleared fit, other locking options then lie in the retention of the Pieter-Steph Du Toit and Franco Mostert combination or alternatively a shift back to Flank for Du Toit (In Whiteley’s absence in the loose) with RG Snyman then linking up with Mostert in the tight.

The two other locks in the squad include JD Shickerling and Lood De Jager, who would then vie for a spot on the bench.