Cheslin Kolbe has been ruled out of the series-deciding fourth Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore after sustaining a broken jaw nine minutes into Saturday's clash in Soweto.
Rassie Erasmus confirmed the diagnosis to media in Johannesburg before the squad departed on a 02.00 am Sunday flight to the United States, bringing Kolbe's tour to an abrupt end. The timing is a significant blow given Kolbe's man-of-the-match performance in Cape Town the previous week, which helped the Springboks level the four-Test series.
Several other players will also remain behind. Carlu Sadie, Boan Venter, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Ben-Jason Dixon — who is still experiencing concussion symptoms — will not travel with the squad.
Erasmus confirmed Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi are fit to travel and will be available for the decider. Herschel Jantjies has been called into the touring party to cover Kolbe's absence, with Erasmus also flagging Grant Williams as a wing option and noting that Canan Moodie is nearing full fitness.
"With Cheslin staying home, Herschel is flying with us. Canan Moodie is now getting fit too, and Grant will cover the wing too," Erasmus said.