Cape Town - Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle has withdrawn from the Springbok squad because of a knee injury.
Stormers hooker Tiaan Liebenberg has replaced Ralepelle in the squad and trained with the team on Wednesday in Cape Town.
Ralepelle, who has played in 21 Tests for the Springboks, injured his knee during a training drill on Tuesday afternoon.
“We assessed him again this morning and he will not be available at least for the first two Tests in the Rugby Championship,” said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.
Liebenberg, who toured with the Springboks at the end of 2007 and played against the Barbarians, was on the official stand-by list.
On Tuesday, No 8 Pierre Spies was ruled out of the entire Rugby Championship due to a finger injury.
Stormers hooker Tiaan Liebenberg has replaced Ralepelle in the squad and trained with the team on Wednesday in Cape Town.
Ralepelle, who has played in 21 Tests for the Springboks, injured his knee during a training drill on Tuesday afternoon.
“We assessed him again this morning and he will not be available at least for the first two Tests in the Rugby Championship,” said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.
Liebenberg, who toured with the Springboks at the end of 2007 and played against the Barbarians, was on the official stand-by list.
On Tuesday, No 8 Pierre Spies was ruled out of the entire Rugby Championship due to a finger injury.