Rassie Erasmus faces a nervous wait on the fitness of Handré Pollard and André Esterhuizen ahead of next month's Nations Championship Tests against Italy, France and Ireland.
Pollard was withdrawn during the Bulls' 34-26 URC win over Ulster on Saturday with a hamstring injury and is awaiting scan results. It is not the first time the 33-year-old has been sidelined this season — he missed the second Test against the All Blacks in August — but has since returned to feature three times for the Boks in 2026, starting once. His availability for the Bulls' upcoming clash with the Scarlets is in doubt, and the injury casts a shadow over his Nations Championship prospects.
Esterhuizen's situation looks more immediately serious. The Sharks midfielder lasted just 52 seconds of his side's win over Cardiff on Friday before leaving with an ankle injury, and was subsequently seen in a moonboot. He has been sent back to South Africa for further assessment. Having filled a utility flanker/centre role for the Boks this year, Esterhuizen has been one of Erasmus' most-used players in 2026 with seven Test appearances.
South Africa, who top the Southern Hemisphere pool after three successive wins in July, are yet to name their extended training squad for the campaign. On a more positive note, Canan Moodie is expected to be available for November after recovering from a head injury and is in the selection mix for the Bulls this weekend.