Cape Town - Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan is gutted for Pieter-Steph du Toit after the Stormers lock was withdrawn from the national squad due to a hamstring injury.
Du Toit, 23, was sent for a scan on Monday, which confirmed the extent of the injury.
He has been ruled out of action for between two and six weeks, which will see him miss South Africa's three-Test series against Ireland.
“Pieter-Steph is unbelievably unlucky with injuries at the Springboks. He played his first two Tests at the end of 2013 and then had long injuries,” Van Graan told reporters in Stellenbosch on Tuesday.
“He showed at the World Cup he will become one of the best locks in the world. I think he was outstanding in Super Rugby. So it’s a huge setback for him and for us. He was part of our plans and is still part of our plans. Luckily it’s not a long-term injury.”
Du Toit’s spot in the Bok squad has been taken by the Lions’ Franco Mostert and Van Graan said they are happy to welcome the Lions enforcer into the Bok set-up.
“I’m very happy for Franco Mostert who comes in. I think he deserves it. His form in Super Rugby was unbelievable and I was also privileged to have coached him earlier in my career at the Bulls. He’s a guy that’s worked really hard," said Van Graan.
Sharks lock Stephan Lewies, who has one Test cap to his name, was named as Mostert's replacement in the SA ‘A’ squad to play the England Saxons.