Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche could both be available for the Springboks' Rugby's Greatest Rivalry opener against the All Blacks on Saturday, with the pair coming through Tuesday's training session without setback.
Assistant coach Felix Jones confirmed that both players are progressing well in their recovery programmes. Kolisi has been managing hamstring issues that forced him to miss the entire Nations Championship campaign, whilst Nche sustained an injury just eight minutes into the Test against England. Kolisi lasted only 24 minutes in his comeback appearance against Argentina, a 17-10 victory for the Springboks.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus had earlier identified the duo as the only doubtful players in his extended training squad, describing their conditions as niggles rather than serious injuries. The Springboks have delayed their team announcement until Thursday, with Erasmus citing respect for the opposition given the difficulty of the fixture.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks continue to contend with mounting injury concerns ahead of the tour opener. Prop Ollie Norris has been ruled out for six weeks with a cartilage injury to his knee and will return home, with Highlanders prop Saula Ma'u called up as his replacement. Norris joins Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke and George Bell in departing the tour early due to injury.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has also summoned Noah Hotham to provide cover at scrum-half after Cortez Ratima suffered a PCL injury against the Bulls. Scans confirmed the ligament damage, though the severity remains unclear. Damian McKenzie is another concern for New Zealand after hurting his ankle against the Sharks.