Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that prop Ox Nche will be fit to face the All Blacks in the Greatest Rivalry Tour, easing concerns that followed Nche's early exit in the first ten minutes of the Springboks' last outing with what initially appeared to be a serious knee injury. Scans have since allayed those fears, with Erasmus indicating Nche will be back in training roughly three weeks before the New Zealand series begins.
Nche joins Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg on a similar return timeline, meaning all three will miss the incoming Nations Championship matches against Scotland and Wales as well as the friendly against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Eben Etzebeth faces a longer absence. Erasmus confirmed the Boks are managing his concussion history conservatively and do not expect him to feature in any of the incoming matches. Argentina in Buenos Aires is the target for his return, with the same timeframe pencilled in for Franco Mostert. Lood de Jager is closer to a comeback and could be available for the Wales fixture, while Ethan Hooker is also expected to be ready next week.
Siya Kolisi should return against Wales after his hamstring strain has responded well to treatment.